According to Savannah’s tourism stats, our tourists most often come from Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Jacksonville and Charleston. And while it’s nice kicking back and showing these out-of-towners where to shop, eat and hang out when they come into town, it’s time for us to return the favor with an impromptu visit of our own.

When craving fast-paced city life in a place with world-class restaurants, shopping, events and festivals, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to travel outside of state lines for a good vacation. For a nonstop week or weekend, indulge a little and live it up in the Peach City.

There’s something about the change in colors, the richness of hues and the crispness of skies in late fall that demands recognition via the good old-fashioned road trip. And with nearby Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head beckoning adventurers to drive the short hour-long distance, it’s both easy and necessary to take a weekend away on a sudden whim. Whether you fancy a stroll through Southern architectural history, a quaint shopping excursion through stores that look like jewelry boxes, or a romantic walk on pristine beaches, three of the finest options for glorious autumnal getaways are just a bridge’s length away.

South’s resident traveler headed north to discover both sides of South Carolina’s dynamic Myrtle Beach.

In an attempt to put my beachside daydreams at bay, I drove down to Myrtle Beach, ready for any and everything the South Carolina city had to offer. What I found was a sunny spot that far exceeded my expectations. A bit touristy at times yes, but it was many other things too. I found there’s a secret side to the town where locals run away from the crowds and chain restaurants, opting for the underground shopping spots and miles and miles of pristine coastline. Following whatever whim arose, I fluctuated between both worlds: the underground and the mainstream, leaving me satisfied and largely impressed.

When the economic turmoil has got you down, don’t get angry, get ahead! Join our resident traveler as she takes a break, doubles down and goes for the win.

It’s officially summer, and if you’re searching for a solution to your cabin fever … look no further! After a long winter holed up in my tiny apartment on the park, watching and waiting, and secretly willing the weather to warm up, I finally poked my head out of my hibernation hideaway and decided to take a chance on yet another of Savannah’s neighboring cities—Jacksonville. As expected it lived up to my need for adventure, and I even came back home a little richer for the experience—in more ways than one!

Located in Savannah’s backyard, the Skidaway Island State Park Trails have a tropical atmosphere great for nature watching.

LENGTH: 4.6 MILES

SKILL LEVEL: EASY

DURATION: 205 HOURS

more info: 912.598.2300

Crooked River State Park Trail provides novice hikers with a scenic trek on the Semper Virens Trail that loops into the marsh and maritime forests.

LENGTH: 2.9 MILES

SKILL LEVEL: EASY

DURATION: 1 HOUR

more info: 912..882.525

Living on the coast means enjoying easy access to all of the area’s beautiful barrier islands. South’s resident traveler uncovers the secrets behind another one of Georgia’s gems.

Sometimes I pull a Rhett Butler and wander off into the world in search of what is left of charm and grace in life, and although oftentimes I find an adventure, it’s rare that I run across these particular attributes. Recently, however, I headed out in search of a little seaside delight and discovered this Holy Grail of elegance, in a city not so far south of Savannah.

Weddings aren’t the only reason to hold a destination celebration. When you’ve run out of ways to host a happy birthday in your own town, find a fabulous new spot to celebrate yourself and your fabulous new age.

The Younger Years. Not much matters when you’re young. Cake and presents are often enough to keep the wee ones super satisfied, but if you’re looking to switch things up this year, an amusement park is often an amusing option. Roller coasters are a riotous thrill they’re not soon likely to forget, and if you make the right phone calls, you’ll usually receive a special discount to congratulate your sweet child on another year young.

We all know that Savannah is famed to be America’s Most Haunted City, and while this might be a popular reason for folks to flock to our fine city, it may also be the reason you want out! If you’re searching for a few horrifying Halloween hotspots, check out these three gruesome getaways that are sure to scare you silly.

Hollywood’s Horrors: Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, Florida offers eight haunted houses, six scare zones and two live shows. Admission is $69.99 per person and with themes based on silver screen scares such as SAW, Chucky, The Wolfman and Fangoria this evil evening is guaranteed to have you checking the closet for monsters for months to come.
** Beware: This is for Halloween-lovers 13 and older only. For a slightly less terrifying evening try Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Big City Scare-Fest: Las Vegas is a lecherous choice for those of the more sinful persuasion. On top of all their normally wicked ways, most hotels offer special spooky shows and host elaborate costume bashes during which they give away more than a quarter-million-dollars in cash for costume contest winners.

While googling “Cheap travel quotes,” searching for deals and wistfully dreaming of my next great getaway, I stumbled across an actual quote from a woman by the name of Susan Heller.

“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.  Then take half the clothes and twice the money,” she informed.

Well, let me say, that while I realize that this quote was most likely posted in total jest to poke fun at the stereotypes of travel, I still found this it to be more than a little troublesome. It occurred to me that this very idea was a highly probable reason why most people shy away from travel. And that thought made me quite angry.

And so I present to you, (who I can only hope are quickly becoming my most loyal blog followers), a list of resources to help you plan an affordable trips to please even the most shallow pockets: