The Southern United States is filled with unique attractions.  In fact, this region, more than any other in the US, has a  distinct culture that inspires certain expectations from visitors.  Whether it is the theme parks and beaches of Florida, the rowdy good times of New Orleans or the modern, cosmopolitan Southern culture of Atlanta and Charlotte, visitors seek a certain amount of “southern-ness” when they choose to spend their summertime holiday south of the Mason Dixon Line.

Here are the five best summertime travel destinations in the Southern United States.  In many ways, these places fit the Southern stereotype, but more often than not, visitors find themselves confronted with unexpected – but welcome – surprises.

1. The Barrier Islands of South Carolina are known for their golf courses, beaches, gated communities and water sports.  Nearby Charleston, a city of rich history, is an attraction in its own right.  But the unique geography and natural, untouched beauty are what truly make this part of the Carolinas worth a visit.  Outfitters, such as Aqua Safari, take tourist on cruises to explore the natural side of the islands, allowing them to come in close contact with wildlife, including alligators and dolphins.

Of course, surfers are always at home on South Carolina’s Central Coast, one of the most underrated wave-riding spots in the nation, especially during summer hurricane season.  Or, you can remain dry and just enjoy the area’s laid back version of beach culture.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular park in the nation in terms of the number of visitors.  Wander through the wild, rural landscapes and its easy to see why.  The Smokies boast some of the most unbelievably picturesque scenery.  Summers can be hot and hazy, but large parts of the park lie at higher elevation, meaning that the weather is cooler.  The road up to  Clingman’s Dome (more than 6600 feet of elevation) is littered with scenic overlooks, while trails can be accessed from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, in North Carolina, and the Sugarlands Visitors Center, in the Tennessee portion of the park.

3. Key West proves that sometimes the classic destinations are still the best ones.  Seafood, water sports and, most of all, that un-copyable, frozen-in-time Key West vibe that attracted famous vacationers like Ernest Hemingway in years past.

There are plenty of touristy attractions, such as the Conch Train Tour and the Key West Nature Preserve, but also plenty of opportunities to get away from the city for some diving, fishing or simply for a boat ride or hike.  And Duval Street, though a bit overly-crowded with tourists sometimes, is home to some of the most iconic bars in the Southern US.

Yes, summertime is rainy season in Key West, but most of the showers occur during the morning hours, with the days being perfectly dry.

4. Atlanta is the cultural and economic capitol of the so-called New South.  Yes, the city suffers from all the standard big city woes, but the culture (especially the cuisine and nightlife) and the sense of history make this one of the more interesting and exciting all-around vacation destinations.  Of course, mainstream tourist attractions like the CNN Studio, Coca-Cola World and a world famous zoo are reasons to visit as well.  If you want to mix a bit of high-brow entertainment with your sightseeing, this is one of the better choices in the country, with The Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony and more than 60 theater groups regularly staging plays and musicals.  Summertime festivals – the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Georgia Shakespeare Festival and the National Black Arts Festival, to name a few – make the warmer months the best time to get a full cultural experience.

5. Charlotte is another Southern city on the rise.  Attractions aside, this is arguably the best city to experience both the excitement and diverse culture of the modern South and a healthy dose of old fashioned southern charm.  Charlotte’s large immigrant population and numerous “new transplants” from other parts of the country give it its cosmopolitan vibe, while museums and art galleries give visitors plenty of high-brow options. Many great Charlotte hotel deals are available while enjoying all the excitement this city has to bring.

Summertime is the high season for golfers and stock car racing fans.  Most of all, though, June and July provide the ideal weather for getting out and experiencing Charlotte’s best trait: its public parks.

Food is always an integral part of a Charlotte vacation.  June’s Taste of Charlotte Festival is the perfect opportunity to find all of the flavors that make Charlotte’s eating scene  unique in one place.

via Paul Mannix, Flickr

Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the Western Hemisphere.  It is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in francophone places.  Images of elaborate, revealing costumes, city-size parties and raucous parades have been drawing hard-partiers from around the world for years.  While the samba parade in Rio de Janeiro is the most iconic of the Carnival celebrations, it is far from being the only version worth attending.  Fat Tuesday fests occurring in Latin America, the Caribbean and even the US and Canada are equal to Rio’s event when it comes to fun and memorable experiences.  The party culminates on February 16th this year, but the good times start rolling well before that.

Here are the best destinations to enjoy the world’s biggest party.

Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the biggest of these celebrations.  That is enough of a reason for many travelers to head south of the Equator in early February.  However, a trip to Brazil is expensive (airfares from the US are currently hovering the $700-$800 range).  The city is notorious because of its crime problem and non-Portuguese speakers might find it intimidating to get around the crowded streets during the festivities.  That said, it is difficult to imagine that other Carnivals can match the atmosphere and sheer good times at the main samba parade and the many neighborhood-wide parade/street party events held throughout the city.

But Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival at least comes close.  The laid-back island vibe of this festival is a major positive for visiting revelers.  Party trucks, complete with towering speakers and mobile DJs are as common a sight as ornate floats.  There is plenty of dancing in the streets.  Bands, with percussion instruments vie for prizes.  Their ornate costumes are not the only ones on the street.  Locals and tourists don colorful, sometimes skimpy outfits as well.  The five day affair, beginning on   February 12th this year, is characterized by the unique culture of Trinidad, with African, Caribbean, French, Latin American, and South Asian influences evident.  The fact that Trinidad is an English-speaking island and the reasonable airfares from the US (from $400), are major positives for would-be American Carnival attendees.

via Vince Alongi, Flickr

In the US, New Orleans holds the biggest Carnival festival.  It is, of course, known as Mardi Gras.  The epicenter of the party takes place on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.  Revelers stand shoulder to shoulder in the streets and the bars and balconies are also filled to capacity.  Of course, there is more to Mardi Gras in the Big Easy than this small strip of pavement.  Groups known as Krewes put on parades throughout the city in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday.  The major parades take place in the Uptown and West Bank districts on Tuesday morning.  Yes, the all-out party in the French Quarter can be rowdy and over-crowded, but New Orleans is still the gold standard for Mardi Gras in the US.  It is, of course, cheaper to fly to New Orleans than to international destinations that celebrate Mardi Gras, but hotels, from five-stars to respectable bed-and-breakfasts, are difficult to come by unless you book well in advance.

Brazil’s Spanish-speaking neighbor, Uruguay has one of the longest-running Carnivals in the world.  Like other Carnivals the festivities start late in January with the parades and dancing in the streets culminating on Fat Tuesday.  But the capitol of the country, Montevideo, hosts celebrations and Carnival-related events until late March.  Despite the fact that most of its citizens are descended from European ancestors, many of the celebrations have a decidedly African vibe.

via A. da Silva, Flickr

Skimpy, colorful outfits, dancing in the streets, percussion-heavy music and parades are not confined to the end of January and beginning of February.  In the US Virgin Islands, Carnival takes place in late April (starting on the 27th, this year).  This is one of the more popular events in the Caribbean and has something for everyone.  There are separate parades for families and the general public, and an adult-centered parade that takes place on the final day of the festival.  Not only does the late date give would-be revelers some extra time to plan, but passports are not required to travel to and from the USVI, making it one of the more convenient Caribbean destinations for US-based travelers.

Toronto’s Caribana, a celebration of Caribbean culture held each August in Toronto, has a Carnival-like vibe and draws more than a million people each year.  Attractions include parades, fashion shows, musical performances and art shows.  Packages including hotel and event tickets start at just over $200.

The Washington Post today is featuring a round-up of great spring and summer cruises for this season. From excursions to Albania or week-long ventures in the Bahamas, to a European river cruise down Germany’s Elbe River, this guide will give you some great ideas on how to plan your own getaway.

A couple of great discounts and travel deals are highlighted in the Dallas Morning News, including Southwest’s double Rapid Rewards credits for paid flights to and from Florida for travel through March 9. Other deals you will want to keep in mind is Amtrak’s 20% off winter fares on many routes for tickets purchased by January 25, and Delta’s sale on bargain airfare to Europe from Dallas, under $600 for round-trip airfare to Paris, London, Rome, and Milan.

Cruise Planners have organized an exclusive event, the Cruise With World Famous Astrologer/Psychic David Wells. David Wells, billed as one of the world’s leading astrologers, psychics and “past-life therapists,” announced this week he’ll be hosting a voyage focused on the topic for the first time in June on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. The seven-night group sailing, organized by a branch of travel agency Cruise Planners, is on the ship’s June 13-20 departure out of Miami.

$45 a night for the New Orleans: Parc St. Charles Hotel. The hotel is located next to Lafayette Square, the second oldest park in New Orleans, and sits within walking distance of Riverwalk Marketplace, Audobon Aquarium of the Americas, Harrah’s Casino, and scores of world-renowned art galleries and restaurants. What’s more, the French Quarter, Louisiana Superdome and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are all within five blocks of the establishment, and the hotel’s prices are good through the Mardi Gras celebration.

The Chicago Tribune highlights the great deals on skiing in the Midwest, detailing ample options for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Families can put their kids in special winter programs and share in outdoor activities such as sleigh rides, dog-sledding and hiking, all the while inhaling clear country air and without incurring the cost of traveling out of state. Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin locations and prices are covered, and there are a number of great midweek packages for even bigger discounts!

The Guardian has a special section in travel called ‘Beenthere’ where people can suggest travel tips and highlight deals that might otherwise be overlooked. In today’s comments, one member points out how to save significantly on tours in Japan, by using the web site called “Tour Guide-interpreter Search System” maintained by Japan’s own Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which can connect you with a licensed Tour Guide directly, saving you both time and money.

And of course, you can add to the discussion both here on BestTravelDeals.net and over at twitter, where you can follow @BesTravelDeals.

The Santa Barbara Car Free special is running now. Get 20% off the best available adult train fare on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin and associated buses going to and from the following Santa Barbara County stations: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Surf, Solvang, Santa Maria and Buellton. You must reserve at least three days in advance of travel to qualify for this discount.

Global Fare Sale on bmi from $161 (O/W)! U.K.-based bmi is slashing rates on airfare by as much as 50 percent! This impressive sale encompasses dozens of destinations worldwide including Europe from $161 each way, Africa from $374, Asia from $478, and more.

A New Package to Orlando Costs Only $449 for 5 nights at a three-star Disney-area resort. In addition to receiving round-trip air on this remarkable package to Orlando, you’ll be receiving continental breakfast each morning. You’ll be given an Orlando-area coupon booklet for dining and attraction discounts. And to top things off, you’ll receive a compact car for five days with unlimited mileage (but not including car rental tax, fuel, and optional insurance). Price is per-person based on two persons traveling together.

That’s not the only Orlando hotel deal out there though, how about $67-$100 a night at the Radisson Orlando Celebration Resort! With luxuries such as custom furniture imported from Italy and granite and marble bathrooms adding a special touch to the resort, this is truly a great place to unwind. The unparalleled pool facilities boast a huge free-formed pool with cascading waterfalls, two whirlpools, a children’s wading pool, heated mid-sized pool and a 40-foot waterslide that winds around a rocky hill. In addition, you will be close to all the sites that make Orlando, FL a vacation retreat.

$76-$109 a night for New Orleans’ Bourbon Orleans Hotel, which features a rich history and French styling reminiscent of the early 1800s. As it is just steps away from the famed St. Louis Cathedral, it means you’re never far from the best the city has to offer-from upscale shopping on Royal Street, to the performers of Jackson Square, to all of the restaurants, galleries and nightlife in between.

$42 a night for a 4-Star Hotel Near The Strip, in Las Vegas, where South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa has slashed rates to 40% off. This special is valid for travel Sunday-Thursday through April.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge is a brand-new ecolodge in the Granada Isletas bringing ecotourism to Nicaragua. As an opening special, the property is offering a third night free for stays through April 2010. A three-night stay is usually $1,311 (double occupancy, including tax); with this deal it’s just $874, averaging $291/night and all meals are included as well in the package price.

Colorado River White-Water Rafting Trip from $965, which is $285 off the standard rack rate for Wilderness River Adventures’ Be a Kid Again package for select dates from April 16 through August 20. In addition to the 88-mile trek down the mighty Colorado River, the deal includes all meals (primarily home-style and barbeque), drinks, and all the essential camping equipment (sleeping bags, a foam pad, ground tarp, tent, etc.). Adrenaline junkies will also have ample opportunities to explore hidden cascading waterfalls and crevices during their trip.

Mardi Gras season began Wednesday with the Feast of Epiphany and continues through Mardi Gras itself, or Fat Tuesday (Feb. 16). Celebrations of the festive season, previously occurring mainly in and near New Orleans, have spread widely in Louisiana, Texas and other states. We’ll cover more Mardi Gras deals as members vote them up over the coming weeks.

New and luxury hotels are opening in London, Tokyo and other major destinations this year and 2010 promises to be a huge year for these new hotels. The New York Times has a handy guide to all of them, and you’ll want to visit each one!  Speaking of new hotels, be sure to add any new deals you may come across, and if you aren’t yet a member, it’s easy to sign up and start voting on the best travel deals!

$579 for a Curacao Vacation, 5 Nights stay with airfare included. That’s $200 instant savings on travel now through April 1, 2010, for The Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, perched on cliffs overlooking sugary white-sand beaches on 350 acres of the western tip of the island of Curacao.

$59 a night for new upscale New Orleans-Area Hotel. Located two miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport and just 12 miles from the famous French Quarter, this upscale hotel makes an economical alternative to pricier central New Orleans hotels. This offer is available daily through March 31.

$59 a night for 2-Bedroom Villa near Disney in Orlando, FL. Only 2 miles from the gates to Disney World, SunLake Resort is located in the heart of the west 192 strip, making it easy to walk to several restaurants and shopping. But no worries about privacy, SunLake is set back on a private lake to make sure your stay is as comfortable as you can imagine.

$299 & up for Caribbean & Mexico Vacations at Nassau Palm Hotel and other locations throughout the Bahamas. It’s easy to add additional nights to any of the already heavily discounted packages that are listed.

$128 a night for a 4-Star Barcelona Hotel. This hotel offers upscale accommodation in an elegant area surrounded by smart designer shops, two shopping malls and the famous soccer stadium Camp Nou. Guests will enjoy complimentary breakfast as well as spacious guest rooms with WiFi connection and marble bathrooms.

$795 & up for Punta Cana 4-Star All-Inclusive Resort, with airfare included. Complimentary non-motorized water sports include kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. You also can take an introductory scuba diving lesson. Casino action spices up your evenings. A perfect setting for romance by the sea.

And speaking of romance, you can already schedule your Valentines Day Weekend Package at the Rodeway Inn Logan International Airport for $119 over February 12, 2010 until February 15, 2010; this deal includes one bottle of champagne and roses per stay.

$159 & up for a 5-Star Venetian Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The Venetian is located on the Strip and features a Grand Canal complete with gondola rides, a 120,000 square-foot casino, elegant accommodations, and is approximately four miles from McCarran International Airport. PLUS: $150 INSTANT Rebate on 4 Night Stays!

$189 & up for a 3-Night Getaway to Paris Las Vegas, includes airfare. Vegas meets Paris at this luxury hotel on the Strip’s Golden Mile, with an 85,000-square-foot casino and a scaled-down version of the Eiffel Tower. The European-style spa includes a health club, and The Producers provides catchy tunes and belly laughs.

There are also three new places to stay in Las Vegas CityCenter with introductory hotel rates to help celebrate. Aria’s introductory rate starts at $169 per night midweek, including a $75 resort credit. Vdara’s introductory rate officially starts at $149 per night midweek, including a $50 resort credit when you stay two nights. Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas has rooms starting at $545 per night, with a $150 dining or spa credit, plus guests get one free night when they book one or more nights. There’s never been a better time to book that Vegas Getaway!

(Photo by StuckInCustoms, taken near the southern tip of Argentina)

Today’s NY Times highlights this season’s best Caribbean Travel Deals, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, for example, is offering a daily $100 credit at all Caribbean resorts from Jan. 4 to April 30 and Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is offering a free fifth night in St. John, Virgin Gorda and Antigua from Jan. 3 to May 30.

Bora Bora Couples Retreat 7-Nights from $1,899 for those who book with Tahiti Tourism by November 23, 2009.

Thanks to the Royal Caribbean Sales Event, there’s never been a better time to save on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. Last Minute Cruise Deals from $119 & up to many destinations through December.

Staying in the Bahamas? Pelican Bay Hotel and Suites of Lucaya is offering 2 additional nights for free when you book a five night stay.

Amsterdam Winter City Special from $639 if you purchase by November 23rd, includes roundtrip airfare and six nights hotel accommodation with private bath and shower.

Relax on a 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from $299 aboard the Norwegian Star.

Visiting Vegas? $89 Las Vegas Hotel on the Strip includes 2 free spa treatments and $40 in gaming credits.

The Guardian today posted about a new online service which connects skiers and boarders looking to share transport to and between resorts.

11 Hawaii Hotels including Sheraton, up to 50% OFF starting at only $110 a night (rooms are limited and this deal won’t last long)!

Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk opens in beta today with pre-opening rates of $255/night. After Dec 21 rates will be $385.

Papa Noel Deals in New Orleans including Marriott on Canal St, offering rooms starting at $89 /night with limited availability. $99/night right now readily available.

Stay 2 nights in Santa Barbara and get one night free. 22 Inn’s and hotels are participating in this special deal.

Looking for last minute Thanksgiving Travel Deals? Start here, and be sure to check out all the great Christmas Travel Deals being shared by the community at BestTravelDeals.net!

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas making a huge splash in south Florida, Tom Robbins goes skiing in Switzerland, ARIA Resort & Casino opening in Las Vegas boasts special introductory offer, and Papa Noël greets Christmas travelers to New Orleans this holiday season, plus more!

Last Friday we reported that the world’s largest cruise ship was scheduled to arrive in Ft. Lauderdale, and our readers turned out in droves to see it! So much so, in fact, that the 225,000-ton vessel, which can hold more than 6,000 passengers, has drawn in a flood of spectators trying to get a closer look and asking to take a tour. Since USA Today is reporting that the large crowds of people and vehicles coming to the port have caused massive traffic jams, why don’t you just click here instead to get a closer look at Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas!

New ARIA Resort & Casino opening in Las Vegas boasts a special introductory offer of $159 a night, plus guests staying through April 1st, 2010 will recieve $75 resort credit! The new resort includes a 150,000 square-foot casino and over 4,000 rooms complete with 42-inch flat-screen televisions, 13 eateries, 9 bars, 3 pools, and an 80,000 square-foot spa.

Be sure to read Tom Koppel’s account of exploring by kayak the ruins of Nan Madol, a former royal city in the South Pacific, and Tom Robbins’ article for today’s The Observer about the best-kept secrets of Switzerland’s Snowmotions, a company devoted to helping skiers and boarders explore the Swiss canton of Graubünden where children can learn to ski safely, and hardcore skiers can find virgin powder fields.

And if you’re looking to sail the Caribbean yet want to spend little or no money, (perhaps even get paid for it!) then you’ll want to be sure to read Matt Gross’ latest article in today’s NY Times entitled ‘Sailing the Caribbean, the Frugal Way’ where he details his experience as a crew-member aboard the S.V. Illusion. He includes a list of where to eat and drink on some of the smaller islands, and even provides a few web sites to get you started finding your own cut-rate deals on a Caribbean vacation.

And, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is the time to book your Christmas vacation. If you’re planning to visit New Orleans, be sure to check out the great deals available on the official New Orleans Tourism site, or simply review all the great Christmas Deals the traveler community has posted on our own site, right here at BestTravelDeals.net!