Price, Costs, and Value

The best value all-inclusive deals are clearly on the islands with the most resorts — competition for guests brings down the price. For example, the Dominican Republic has about 100 all-inclusive resorts in the eastern part of the country and mostly clustered around Punta Cana. Cancun/Cozumel has a comparable number of all-inclusive resorts and Jamaica has about 70 all-inclusive resorts. The savvy traveller can get amazing deals in these particular locations, even during high season.

The Benefits of an All-inclusive Vacation

The all-inclusive resort is budget-friendly and extremely convenient, since you pay one fee when booking and nothing additional for dining, drinks and activities. Most resorts offer a multiplicity of dining options at themed restaurants — you can book a reservation at a steakhouse one night, an Asian-themed venue the next and Italian the night thereafter. Keep changing it up or return to your favorite spot again and again. And the best part is the fact that there won’t be a bill at the end of the evening.

Many all-inclusive resorts cater to families with children of all ages. Look for a resort that offers a kids club, teen club & a multitude of youth activities. Oftentimes, kids up to the age of 12 stay free or for a nominal fee. Many all-inclusives offer activities such as golf, tennis, ziplines, kids’ clubs, snorkeling trips, Spanish lessons, beachfront climbing walls, kayaking, and trapeze instruction. You can oftentimes leave the kids to these activities for a few hours and get in some valuable “me time”.

Of course, if you want to avoid kids altogether, you can choose an adults-only all-inclusive!

What to check before you book

Be cognizant of the fact that “high season” runs from December through early April. “Peak season” (aka when you will pay a premium) is the last week of December and the first week of January. In May and November you might encounter “shoulder season” rates in some places. June through October is the “low season.” Also keep in mind that some of the best high season deals are available from around January 10 through the end of February too.

An Air + hotel package is often the best deal. Punta Cana is an excellent choice with flights from all major US cities and a modern airport close to the resorts. Choose a resort near a major airport for quick transfers and if you get an early flight you can hit the beach before lunch.
If you can begin your vacation mid-week, you will save money. You will certainly pay a premium to arrive on a Friday and depart on a Sunday. Choose to arrive on a Tuesday or Wednesday and you can cut the overall cost by 10%

Think about the type of accommodations you require. Must you have an ocean view room or can you settle for a garden view? Do you want to be right on the beach or do you mind a short walk to your accommodations? Is a jacuzzi suite a must or can you settle for a regular tub in your en suite bathroom? All of these perks will be reflected in your room rate. Think about the amount of time you will actually be spending in your room and the level of amenities you require before you book.

If you’d like more info on the best all-inclusive resorts, check out this article listing the best all-inclusive resorts out there.

1. Your credit card may provide FREE insurance if you use it to pay for your rental

Make sure to check with your credit card company BEFORE purchasing the added insurance offered when you rent a car. This is called Collision Damage or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW or LDW). You can save from $10 to $30 on insurance fees if your credit card company includes it as an added perk just for being their customer.

• Your credit card may offer free rental car insurance

• Don’t buy CDW or LDW

• Save $10 to $30 per day

2. Renting a car at the airport will always cost you extra

All car rentals at the airport include a concession fee (up to 10% of the total rental charges) paid directly to the airport. The rental car company will always pass this fee on to the consumer, so you will save yourself money if you arrange to rent your car at a location other than the airport. For example, if you’re renting a car in Belfast, you’ll probably pay less if you take an airport shuttle into the city to rent a car rather than renting at one of the Belfast airports–George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is only 3 miles from the city center, while Belfast International Airport (BFS) is 18 miles away. Of course, renting your car at a non-airport location takes more time than picking it up directly at the airport so you’ll have to weigh the cost of the added fee vs the benefit of time saved. Keep in mind that this strategy will certainly pay off on a longer rental.

• Don’t pay a 10% airport concession fee

• Rent your car at a non-airport location

3. Drivers under the age of 25 will always pay a surcharge

If you are under the age of 25, you will be charged an added fee of up to $30 per day. Most rental companies don’t rent to drivers under the age of 21, but those that do charge an even steeper fee of up to $75 per day. Outside the US, it is also common to see surcharges on drivers over the age of 70. Always check ahead, as surcharges vary by country and location.

• Added fee of $30/day for drivers under 25

• Added international fee for drivers over 70

4. Bringing your own “extras” can save you money

If you’re traveling with small children, a car seat is mandated by law in most countries. Renting a car seat will cost $10 to $25 per day to rent theirs. And since you may be navigating in unfamiliar territory, be prepared to pay $10 to $20 per day for GPS. Satellite radio may also cost an added $10 to $20 extra per day.

• Save money by bringing your own car seat, GPS or satellite radio

5.  Fill the car up with gas before you return it

It is much cheaper to fill the gas tank yourself at a nearby station rather than paying the rental company to fill it. This is true just about anywhere you rent a car — the rental company will charge you a much higher cost per liter/gallon than a local station. If you’re short on time and have to return the car with less than a full tank, be prepared to pay for it! Also keep in mind that you will NOT receive a credit if you overfill the gas tank.

• Save money by filling the tank before you return the car

This car rental comparison site is a fast and convenient place to start your rental car search with access to 3 million rental cars, thousands of special offers and a lowest price guarantee.

#1 Iceland The island nation of Iceland is changing every year, with new out islands cropping up as ice cover recedes. It is far enough north for visitors to experience the midnight sun, and winter darkness becomes a reason for festivals and feasts. Icy landscapes meet volcanic mountains here, and beach areas are dotted with lighthouses and visited by puffins. For an all-island experience, visitors can rent a car and drive around the perimeter on the Ring Road, a 13-hour drive you’ll want to take slowly.

#2 South Africa The picturesque city of Cape Town, and the surrounding nature preserves drive adventure travelers who want to see wild elephants, lions and giraffes; the awesome spectacle of Victoria Falls; and maybe a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. The wild continent of Africa is seeing a surge in tourists, and most go there for the wilderness experience. But visitors shouldn’t overlook the city of Cape Town and the “wine routes” that wind through the surrounding hills and vineyards.

#3 Cuba Although the rules have tightened slightly for U.S. citizens, it is still possible to visit the island of Cuba with a group for a specific purpose. Tour operators are still booking air and hotel packages to Havana, but they make sure the travel does not benefit state-owned or military properties. This is the largest Caribbean island, and its unique history makes it a fascinating place to visit. Antique cars, live Latin music spilling out of nightclubs into the night, Cuban cuisine and beautiful beaches make this a fun and memorable destination.

#4 Australia (Cairns) Australia is huge, and if you’re going, by all means spend a day or two touring Sydney. But there is a sense of urgency around the Great Barrier Reef, and this is part of the reason for including the port city of Cairns in your itinerary. Deteriorating ocean conditions threaten the corals of this vast reef off the eastern coast, and if you want to dive there or snorkel, this is the year to do it.

#5 Greece There is always some worry about the Greek economy, but the travel industry there is showing a healthy growth rate. When you see pictures of Santorini in the Mediterranean sun, it’s hard to imagine that life here can be hard. The country of Greece has some of the most intriguing ancient ruins, sparkling blue coastlines, delicious local cuisine and best of all, a welcoming population who appreciate the support for their restaurants, hotels and recovering tourist industry.

Start Planning Don’t let your vacation time go unused. The travel experts at Dunhill Travel Deals collect offers from all over the internet and list the best travel deals and vacation ideas for your dream trip.  Or, sign up for their free newsletter and let the ideas come to your inbox.

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Whether you’re looking to fend off the cold or cheer yourself up after a lousy day, check out these 7 classic British comfort foods:

1) Toad in the Hole

There’s not a toad to be seen in this dish, promise. Instead, what you get is delicious sausages nestled and cooked into a batter (known as Yorkshire pudding batter) that bakes high above the sausages, creating the visual effect that the “toads” are peeking out from their holes.

This dish is usually served with vegetables and gravy that has been cooked with fried onions.

Not a toad in sight, just rich sausages in batter. Photo by Annie Mole.

2) Pea and Ham Soup

Vividly green, thick with comfort and crammed with baked ham that melts in your mouth, you should be warned against ordering this soup as an appetizer as it is often too much to manage even for an entrée.

Best served with warm crusty bread and for a real treat add a dollop of crème fraiche for extra yummy richness. An alternative, thinner soup is made with split peas, which look similar to lentils.

Vivid green and delicious pea and ham soup. Photo by theCSSdiv.

3) Stew and Dumplings

Typically made with beef and vegetables such as carrots, leeks and onions, the base ingredients are slow cooked in a pot with stock for hours allowing the meat to tenderize and the gravy to thicken.

The dumplings are made from suet, which provides a wonderful doughy way to soak up the stew juices and are added toward the end of the cooking. Beef can be substituted with lamb, chicken or just extra winter root vegetables for a different taste.

Dumplings are perfect for soaking up the gravy in this root vegetable stew. Photo by Girl Interrupted Eating.

4) Fish Pie

If you’re looking for winter comfort food but without the gravy, fish pie is the perfect alternative. Traditionally white fish such as cod or haddock was used but recipes have broadened to include other ingredients from the sea such as salmon and prawns.

The fish and seafood are cooked in a creamy white sauce and topped with a deep crust of mashed potato. Serve with vegetables to keep your nutrient intake up during the cold days and nights.

Want an alternative to the gravy dishes? Tuck into creamy fish pie. Photo by TummyRumble.

5) Pie and Mash

Something of a British institution, pie and mash has its origins in the East End of London where it was served during the Victorian Era to the working class.

Created using the glut of eels from the River Thames and wrapped in pastry to make it transportable, the pie was born. Mash was added as a cheap way to complete the meal.

Today, meat replaces the eels, though, in the East End green-colored eel gravy known as “liquor” (it’s nonalcoholic), which is still served as a tradition.

Otherwise, you can’t beat steak and ale pie served with a generous dollop of creamy mash and an endless supply of meat gravy.

Pie and mash—the London East End classic. Photo by Dani P.L.

6) Bangers and Mash

Named during a time when sausages had a high water content and tended to pop, bang and sizzle in the pan, bangers are a firm British favorite and make the perfect comfort food.

There are many varieties of sausage to choose from. They are typically made from pork or beef and flavored with many different combinations of seasoning ranging from sage to apple to chili.

The Cumberland sausage is a fun and tasty swirl of a sausage that will fill even the biggest appetite. Best served with onion gravy, consider a glass of British Ale to wash it all down.

Sizzling bangers and mash. Photo by gifrancis.

7) Cottage Pie

Just when you thought it wasn’t possible to serve yet another variation of meat and potatoes, you discover cottage pie.

Ground beef forms the base ingredient, which is cooked in gravy with vegetables such as carrots, onion and peas. A generous portion of mashed potato is placed on top, and when cooked, the pie comes out with a crisp crust and more gravy is often added for good measure.

An alternative version is shepherd’s pie, which uses lamb instead of beef.

The mash crust is the perfect topping for cottage pie. Photo by WordRidden.

Heavy on the potatoes and generous with the gravy, British winter warmers know how to offer the perfect culinary comfort from the cold.

Have you tried any of these dishes? What is your favorite winter comfort food? Let me know in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like: 8 Ways to Eat Your Way through the US South.

Main photo: The Brits really know how to serve up winter comfort foods by dichohecho.

This prompted a full-scale evacuation. Fortunately, the tsunami did not have the force that had been anticipated, but as those who have experienced Hurricane Sandy or other severe natural disasters will know, that isn’t always the case.

If you find yourself in the midst of a natural disaster, your own actions can play a huge part in your safety. Here are 7 things NOT to do:

1) Panic

The ocean didn’t injure anybody during the predicted Hawaiian tsunami, but there were fatal car accidents as people panicked to get to higher ground.

Of course it is difficult to keep an air of calm when doom is impending, but it is vital to ensure your safety. Although time will be of the essence, that doesn’t mean you should disband all precautions.

If you find yourself starting to freak out, ask someone to help you, whether it is with packing, driving or any other activity.

Whatever you do, try not to panic. Photo by nandadevieast.

2) Ignoring official advice

Officials advised us to pack essentials and drive to the evacuation center when the tsunami warning was given. However, driving to the grocery store and the gas station to engage in panic buying is what many people did.

With only a matter of hours to get to safety, there simply wasn’t time for activities beyond those advised, and people who ignored the advice caused road blocks, putting themselves and others in danger.

If the authorities think your most vital activity is refueling your car or stocking your fridge, they will tell you. Otherwise, do as they say.

Don’t ignore the official advice: if there is no time for shopping, there is no time for shopping. Photo by 8zil.

3) Not making a plan that ensures your safety

If you’re on vacation when a disaster warning strikes, there is a good chance you won’t have access to a car or the facilities you might at home. Even if you are at home, you may need to make arrangements for your safety.

Sharing cars with those who had rentals ensured we all got to the evacuation center. Before you set about any other activity, like packing, make sure you have a plan in place for ensuring your safety.

Make sure you have a plan in place. Photo by planetc1.

4) Packing non-essentials

I watched in surprise as a girl tried to pack all three of her suitcases complete with travel alarm clock, slippers, bikinis and beach towel. It was a time-consuming task and if someone hadn’t have stopped her, I’m sure she’d still be packing now.

Essential means exactly that—water, food, flashlight, warm clothes, medicine, all-weather shoes, blankets, smartphone and other items that will help if you find yourself without power and running water for days.

In other words, if you’d take the item camping, pack it. If you’d take it to the beach or a bar, leave it.

Pack essentials and essentials only. Photo by Ian Wilson.

5) Going incommunicado

My friends and family knew that I was in Hawaii, but they didn’t know the name of the island, the town nor my accommodations. After all of the packing had been done and I waited for my ride, I sent a quick email to my brother to let him know what was happening and exactly where I was.

That way I knew that my family would be able to follow the international news, gauge my safety and have the right information on hand if they needed to contact the Hawaiian authorities in the worst case scenario.

Don’t go incommunicado. Let someone know where you are. Photo by dok1.

6) Not bringing something to pass the time

After clawing together the recommended essentials, it turned out that there was some time to gather a few extra items, and that is what ended up saving us during the long wait for the warning to pass.

Packing my laptop and power cable meant that we were able to follow the local news; others packed playing cards or a book.

Instead of letting our nerves fray as we waited for news, we were able to keep ourselves up to date on the situation and occupy our minds with something else during the meantime.

7) Ignoring on-going official advice

After several hours waiting and realizing that the tsunami impact was nothing near what we had expected, people started to get restless. Hard plastic chairs and glaring strip lights of the evacuation center made people crave their beds.

However, the warning hadn’t been lifted, and for good reason. The high tide meant that the risk of the tsunami extended beyond the anticipated time of impact.

Once again the officials knew what was best, and you should follow their advice until the danger has passed.

Have you experienced a natural disaster? What did you do to keep safe? Did you make any mistakes that made the situation more dangerous? Let me know in the comments below.

If you liked this article, you might also like: Don’t Make These 7 Mistakes Traveling in Dangerous Areas.

Main photo: Want to increase your chances of surviving a disaster? Here’s what not to do by Lew57.

In 2012, Israel’s visitor numbers were up an impressive 8 percent, and this October saw the country’s highest visitor numbers ever (Israel Ministry of Tourism).

The reality is that despite the disputes, there is so much to see—from historical and religious sights to the Red, Dead and Med Seas—that tourists can’t bring themselves to shun this fascinating part of the world.

Understandably, many travelers are nervous about visiting Israel, but with a little knowledge and some good planning, it’s possible to have a safe and rewarding stay in this tiny country.

Here are 10 essential tips for your visit:

1) Consider your passport stamp

Passport stamps are usually sought after, but if you’re planning further travel in the Middle East you may want to think twice before collecting an ink print from Israel. Many Arab countries either do not permit or make entry more difficult for visitors who have the Israeli stamp.

Ask politely to get your stamp on a separate piece of paper instead.

Get your passport stamp on a separate sheet of paper to keep future travel options open. Photo by koadmunkee.

2) Know before you go: history and politics

Visiting Israel is a great opportunity to brush up on your knowledge of the history and politics that surround the region as well as understanding the diverse blend of cultures.

With a little homework you can avoid that awkward moment where you ask an Israeli-passport holding taxi driver to take you to Bethlehem (it is not permitted).

Use your visit as a chance to understand the country better. Photo by nagillum

3) Understand the safety levels

Israel can be visited without issue, but conflicts can arise and escalate quickly.

Follow the international news and check with your foreign office for travel restrictions before you leave home.

The areas that tend to see the most trouble are near the borders with Egypt in the south and Syria and Lebanon in the north.

Generally, the Gaza Strip is to be avoided, but trips into the Palestinian territories are usually trouble free.

Assess the safety situation before you go and while you’re there. Photo by Amir Farshad Ebrahimi.

4) Pay special attention to Fridays and Saturdays

The work week in Israel centers on the Jewish day of rest, Shabbat. Starting at sunset on Friday and ending at sunset on Saturday, many businesses close and services stop.

This means no buses and fewer, more expensive taxis while shops and restaurants shut for the entire period starting as early as 2 p.m.

Levels of observance differ between cities, with Jerusalem more observant than Tel Aviv. On the plus side, Shabbat can equal a feast in hotels.

Plan for Shabbat. Photo by yoavelad.

5) Get around easily: buses, sheruts and car hire

Israel has a cheap and efficient bus network that covers most of the country, while sheruts (shared minivans) offer a great alternatives for shorter trips, e.g. from Tel Aviv to the airport or traveling during Shabbat.

Car hire is almost essential if you want to visit the north, including the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

A car is advisable for visiting the Sea of Galilee. Photo by amira_a.

6) Pack clothes to cover up

It’s tempting in hot climates to wear those tiny shorts you wouldn’t brave at home, which will work on Tel Aviv’s beaches, but more decorum is needed at religious sites.

Women should cover their arms, chest and legs and in ultra-orthodox areas, pants should be worn, not skirts. Men at Jewish religious sites must wear a kippa (skull cap, supplied).

The Western Wall may be outside, but it is still considered a religious site, so dress appropriately.

Dress with decorum and follow the customs at religious sites. Photo by Laika slips the lead.

7) Eat local

There is no avoiding the fact that Israel is costly (I recall paying nearly $2 for a tomato), which provided the perfect excuse to find some cheap local eats.

Falafel and hummus are excellent, abundant and comparatively cheap while the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv has some of the freshest fruit, vegetables, olives, cured meats and cheeses you’ll find.

In addition, you’ll get an excellent glimpse into the local life.

Visit Carmel Market for a taste of local food and life. Photo by infliv.

8) Save on hotels—sleep communal

Staying in beachfront hotels can chew though a travel budget pretty fast. The good news is that Israel has a great choice of hostels available for a fraction of the cost.

Even if dorm-style communal sleeping isn’t for you, many of the hostels offer a number of private rooms. I stayed in one hostel that was a 200-year-old Arab mansion.

Hostels can be a budget-saving option. Photo by Nina J. G.

9) Plan for the Palestinian territories

Bethlehem can be seen from Jerusalem and is one of the most popular day trips from the city. However, it is administered by the Palestinian Authority and you must therefore pass a checkpoint to enter.

The security situation has improved in recent years making it much safer to cross, but check before you go. If you travel by taxi, you will need to find a driver with a non-Israeli passport or change cars at the border.

Prepare for your visit to the Palestinian territories. Photo by welshkaren.

10) Plan your next move

If you are hoping to hop from Israel to another country by land, you need to plan your route.

It is not possible to pass to or from Lebanon and Syria, and the border situation with Egypt is subject to change on short notice. Crossing into Jordan is usually, therefore, your best bet.

Make sure your exit strategy is planned out. Photo by kudumomo.

What were your impressions of Israel? Do you have any other tips for traveling through this fascinating country? Let me know in the comments below.

If you liked this article, you might also like: Photo Essay: Colors of Israel.

Main photo: Israel: It’s not a case of whether to visit, but when and how by David Holt London.

I was in Nicaragua, 4,500 feet up Maderas Volcano on Isla Ometepe, facing a six-hour descent barefoot. Somewhere between bad planning and bad footwear my shoes had broken as we approached the summit, leaving me with no option but to climb down using only the soles of my feet.

It hadn’t been my intention to find myself in this curious situation, but it wasn’t entirely a bad thing that my shoes broke. Here’s why:

1) It was a lesson in better planning

I spent the first hour of my barefoot hike cursing my stupidity. I’d sent my hiking shoes home after I trekked Machu Picchu and I had nothing more robust than trekking sandals.

They were not a good choice for the particular climb that lay ahead, which I would have known had I done any research beyond just showing up for the climb. Mud, no formal hiking trail and a late start got me off on the wrong foot (in every sense).

Now, before I do any kind of trek, sometimes including to a distant supermarket, I check out my route, know what terrain I’ll be covering and, vitally, make sure I have the right equipment for the job.

The trekking sandals that failed me.

2) I got to practice my Spanish

“Lodo,” the guide said before we set off. I nodded, not having a clue what he was referring to.

It turned out to be the Spanish word for mud, a word I will never forget. I was up to my knees it in, had fallen over in it, created a face pack out of it and pointed at it many times repeating the word back to my guide.

For six hours, slowly and steadily we eased down the volcano, chatting as we went, me teaching him English for blood, toes, sunset, moon and beer while I got to practice my Spanish, thanking him for his patience, telling him when we could speed up and how much I was looking forward to dipping my feet in a bucket of ice after my ordeal.

Lodo—a Spanish word I will never forget.

3) I took time to stop and smell the coffee

If a hike’s worth doing, it’s worth doing quickly . . . or so I used to think. Until Ometepe, walking and hiking was all about the end destination for me and I took on each walking challenge like it was a race to the finish line or summit.

However, there is nothing like sharp volcanic shale and bare skin to slow you down. Stopping every ten minutes to assess my wounds and scope out the land ahead, I got a chance to stop and smell the coffee—literally, we were walking through land that grew coffee beans.

I’ve not hiked at speed since and I’ve seen far more as a result.

Going slower, we stopped and explored our surroundings.

4) I realized the importance of keeping spirits high

“This is how people die.” It was a thought that occurred to me more than once during the descent.

We were four hours in, I had severe foot pain, untold injuries and the sun was staring to set, spelling darkness within the hour. My spirits couldn’t have been lower and a quiet threatened to settle over the group, until I told a joke.

There was barely a beginning, a botched job of a middle and a completely forgotten ending, but there was laughter nonetheless.

So I told another joke and another knowing that time passes more quickly when you’re kept from dark thoughts, and with spirits high, even the most difficult of tasks (four of us walking in a lone spotlight for the last hour) seems more possible.

Keeping spirits high was vital.

5) I pushed through my pain barrier

I used to take pain medication at the slightest hint of a headache and would spend half an hour complaining if I stubbed my toe.

But during my climb, I lost three toenails, had lacerations on my feet that lasted for weeks and suffered swelling that took days to go down.

Without any pain relief during the hike, I had to rely on my mental will power alone. I learned that I have more natural capacity for dealing with pain than I thought and that I don’t need to rush to the pain medication pack as quickly, or sometimes at all.

This volcano taught me that I have a higher pain threshold than I thought.

Have you had a challenging experience that you gained a positive experience from? Let me know in the comments below.

If you liked this article, you might also like: 7 Life Lessons I Learned Trekking the World’s Deepest Canyon.

All photos are author’s own.

The same goes for the United States, which offers varying delectable dishes depending on where you find yourself in this massive country. Though Southern regional cuisine may not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think “American food to die for,” it surprisingly offers a diverse menu that has become even more so as chefs jump onto the gourmet local-food bandwagon.

Take a tour through the food of the South via the images below, then start planning a road trip that will make your taste buds jump up and down with gratitude.

1) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is the epitome of the new Southern classic dish, which was born in the 1980s at the down-home Crook’s Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Now a staple in restaurants throughout the South (and beyond), you can find different versions of this signature dish depending on where you find yourself—loaded with extras such as scallions and mushrooms in an upscale South Carolina restaurant; flavored with spiciness in Mississippi; touched with a Mexican chipotle twist and queso fresco in Texas.

Pictured is the King and Prince Resort’s, located in St. Simons Island, Georgia, award-winning version of the delectable dish, full of cream, butter and, yes, lots more cream. Take time to savor and compare notes about this satisfying dish as you travel throughout the South.

Shrimp and grits combine to Southern favorites for a delectable dish.

2) Biscuits

Flaky, buttery, covered in jelly or smothered in gravy. For the Southern version of scones, biscuits are versatile in their application: add sausage and cheese for an easy breakfast, have them with strawberry jam and tea mid-afternoon or add some bacon and cheddar in the biscuit mix as a side dish for dinner.

Many southern restaurants offer these little gems as the starting bread dish before the meal. Just be sure not to fill up on these rich appetizers or you won’t be able to eat the rest of your meal!

Biscuits, biscuits, biscuits. Slather butter on them, add some jelly, pour gravy over them or peel off layer after layer of these flaky Southern favorites.

3) Low Country Boil

What exactly is a Low Country boil you ask? Sometimes called a “seafood boil,” a National Guardsman who had to quickly cook up a meal for 100 soldiers developed this dish that includes shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes.

Low Country boils are meant to feed large groups of people, as you can see here. The table is covered in shrimp, crabs, corn and potatoes.

Now a staple at cookouts on the beach and July 4th festivals throughout the South, this one-pot meal boils all the ingredients together. Just add some seafood seasoning and if you like, a little onion, crab and butter. Don’t forget a side of cocktail sauce.

Beyond a pot and a fire, the only other materials you need are some newspaper and a picnic table to dump the contents on once cooked. Your guests can then eat to their heart’s content.

The outcome of the Low Country boil: sausage, crab, corn, potatoes and shrimp all on a picnic table.

4) Honey

Though honey was certainly not born in the Southern United States (evidence of honey harvesting dates back 8,000 years to Valencia, Spain), the sweet, slow, sticky sweetener conjures up images of hot afternoons and ice-cold beverages in the marshland.

Savannah, Georgia offers up this sweet delicacy at its Savannah Bee Company shops. Not only can you choose from a variety of honey types—tupelo, wildflower and acacia, you can also find easy pairings for your favorite foods and drinks such as cheese, teas and meat. Don’t forget the luscious body products, like hand salves and body butters.

When you are traveling through the South, try honey in place of sugar for drinks and treats.

Artisanal honey from the Savannah Bee Company. Authentic honey comes in many different flavors and pairing choices.

5) Bread Pudding

What better use could there be for stale bread than to make it into a delicious dessert? Though that is the traditional way to make bread pudding, today it is normally made with gourmet bread, along with eggs, milk or cream, sugar and raisins. A popular addition is Nilla wafers.

Bread pudding is often considered to be a soul food and can be found in barbecue restaurants throughout the Southern United States. Make it a New Orleans-style version with some pecans, brioche bread and bourbon.

Bread pudding in its gourmet form.

6) Omelettes

A lovable egg-heavy concoction that is a meal unto itself, the omelette isn’t necessarily a weekend Southern tradition. But the variety of the omelettes does allow for particular Southern influences that make it very obvious where you have landed in the country.

Palmer’s Village Cafe in St. Simons Island, Georgia offers its own Southern twist on the omelette, directly from a New York-trained chef: egg whites, smoked tomatoes, goat cheese with sweet potatoes, candied bacon and pea tendrils tossed in Georgia Olive Oil.

Other Southern versions often include lots of cheese, onion and ham.

Omelettes can come in a variety of flavors, including this Southern version with sweet potato, goat cheese, roasted tomatoes and Georgia Olive Oil.

7) Southern Wine

Sure, California is America’s wine country. It’s hard to surpass what they’ve become famous for. But with the increase in popularity of drinking nice wine over the last 10 years, other parts of the country have jumped on the wine-making bandwagon, including the South.

With the changing climate, it’s been easier to grow grapes in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. The wines produced in this region tend to be sweeter than the West Coast offerings and may offer flavors of different fruits.

If you enjoy wine tasting, head out to the Charlottesville area in Virginia, take a trip on the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail in North Carolina or head out to Still Pond Winery while you’re in southern Georgia.

Wineries have taken over the South, including from the Still Pond Winery in southern Georgia.

8) Moonshine

There is possibly nothing more linked to the South than the word “Moonshine.” Illegal since Prohibition, this hard liquor has often been made in bathtubs and by the “light of the moon” by Appalachian distillers.

Times have changed, and moonshine is becoming the stuff of artisans and the locavore movement, with many producers considering their offering as organic. Though they don’t have the potency of the illegal versions, some state laws have changed over recent years that allow these artisanal versions to make their way to the market.

Midnight Moon makes their flavored offerings in Madison, North Carolina, conjuring up images of the speakeasies of yesteryear. Grab a moonshine cocktail at bars and pubs throughout the South.

Head back to a time of debauchery and Prohibition with a moonshine cocktail. Here’s Midnight Moon’s version of the controversial liquor.

What are some other great Southern foods that we missed? Let me know in the comments below.

If you liked this article, you might also like: 5 Hawaiian Dishes that only the Locals Eat.

All photos are author’s own.