15 days in Continental USA Itinerary

Divided by law, geography, and custom into three major regions, represented by the three stars on state's flag, Tennessee boasts a distinctive musical heritage that includes elements of bluegrass, country-western, and blues. With a countryside as diverse as its people, Tennessee includes landscapes ranging from a mountainous region in the east to the lowlands of the west, with gently rolling hills in the middle. For a well-rounded vacation, you can hike remote mountain trails in the morning and explore the crowded bars of Nashville in the evening. Visit the urban attractions, such as Elvis Presley's former residence in Memphis, but don't miss a chance to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, situated in the eastern part of the state.

Known as a focal point of the civil rights struggle in the 1960s, Alabama features diverse landscapes that include tall mountains, rolling hills, and gentle plains. Though still largely undiscovered by foreign visitors, Alabama offers tourists a chance to discover the distinct culture of the Deep South. In addition to well-preserved examples of antebellum architecture, this area also boasts an outstanding local cuisine, famous for traditional barbecue recipes passed down from generation to generation. Looking for outdoorsy things to do? Nature lovers on holiday can explore the state's beaches, rugged canyons, and lush river valleys.

Thanks to its size and geologic features, Texas contains diverse landscapes that closely resemble both the south and southwest of the United States. Though most people associate Texas with tracts of barren land, deserts cover only about 10 percent of the state, with most of its big population centers located in areas once covered by prairies, grasslands, and forests. As you travel from one end of Texas to the other, observe the changing terrain that ranges from coastal piney woods and swamps in the east to the mountains of the west, with rolling plains and rugged hills in the center. For a bit of urban sightseeing visit some of the state's large cities such as Houston, Dallas, or Austin, or immerse yourself in the nation's history by adding famous attractions like The Alamo to your itinerary. Take plenty of time to mingle with the locals, famous for their hospitality, generosity, and fiercely independent spirit.

With a landscape of deltas, marshes, and swamps formed by the sediments of the Mississippi River, Louisiana is home to rich native plant and animal life, including rare species of tree frogs, ibis, and egrets. The state's urban areas, most notably the historical city of New Orleans, are some of its most popular attractions and boast a varied multicultural and multilingual heritage, strongly influenced by a mix of French, Spanish, Native American, and African cultures. Native Louisianans proudly cling to their distinctive dialects and musical traditions, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the most culturally diverse areas in North America. The homeland of both Cajun and Creole cuisines, Louisiana remains a top holiday destination for foodies from around the world.

Still relatively unspoiled by mass tourism, Mississippi epitomizes rich history and offers warm hospitality to those who vacation here. The Mississippi River forms most of its western border, so it's no surprise that this mighty waterway shapes the lives of people calling the "Magnolia State" their home. The river influences everything from the food they eat to the music they listen to. Perhaps the easiest way to discover Mississippi is to take a drive on the 715 km (444 mi) long national parkway, which follows a route used since pre-colonial times that's famous for its scenic beauty and attractions of historical interest. At the end of the parkway sits a town packed with nearly 600 antebellum homes.