Explore the culinary genius of the Deep South

24 September 2024

For many of us, food is a big part of any holiday, and that goes double for travel in the USA, especially in the Deep South. Whose mouth doesn’t water at the mere mention of iconic Southern specialties such as jambalaya, gumbo, grits, fried green tomatoes, soft-shell crabs, and catfish? Food is a way of truly immersing yourself in the Deep South region, whether in beachfront shacks cooking up the freshest seafood or in upmarket, fine-dining venues.

Explore the culinary genius of the Deep South

A taste of tradition in Louisiana

Gumbo, etouffée, beignets, boudin, jambalaya, and pralines all exist in recipes passed down through generations of Louisiana residents as an intrinsic part of their Cajun and Creole heritage. World-famous hot sauce Tabasco also originated here more than 150 years ago and is still produced exclusively on Avery Island in southern Louisiana just outside Lafayette. New Orleans even invented the cocktail, in the mid-1800s – the Sazerac was the 1^st cocktail, a mix of whisky, absinthe, bitters, and sugar – but they have created plenty of others besides depending on your taste.

Mouthwatering Mississippi

Mississippi offers distinct culinary adventures of its own. On the coast it’s all about seafood and barbecue, in much-loved venues such as the Blow Fly Inn in Gulfport and The Shed Barbeque in Gulfport and Ocean Springs. In the Delta, you’ll find plenty of catfish and tamales in popular venues such as Airport Grocery in Cleveland and The Donut Shop in Natchez. Other iconic spots include the Crystal Grill and Lusco's in Greenwood, The Little Dooey in Starkville (for barbecues), and Brent’s Soda Fountain in Jackson, recognisable from the film The Help.

Soulful music and food in Tennessee

Tennessee’s iconic music is matched by its deeply comforting cuisine. Unmissable foodie experiences centre around barbecue fare, such as the kind found at Puckett's Grocery in Franklin and Nashville, which has been cooking up a storm for 70 years or Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous where you can enjoy “Memphis style” barbecue ribs. For “Hot Chicken” check out Gus's World-Famous Fried Chicken in its original location Mason in West Tennessee or the original “Nashville Hot Chicken” at Princes Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville, where legend has it this was invented as a revenge dish! For small town restaurants stop in Lynchburg for some old-time hospitality at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant for some fantastic family style Southern fare.

The barbeque state of Alabama

Alabama is also big on barbecue, with some outstanding restaurants across the state – among them Dreamland with its mouth-watering ribs in ten venues scattered across the state. Other signature dishes include oysters at Wintzell's in Mobile, while eating fresh seafood from the fishing village in Forrest Gump, Bayou La Batré near Mobile, is a must. Why not check out Automatic Seafood, where the chef was names best in the South in 2022! For another famous locale, visit the Irondale Café in Birmingham, the Original Whistle Stop café in the book, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café

The Deep South lends itself beautifully to a classic US road trip – a big part of your open-road experience is the freedom to stop off for fabulous soul food and other tasty local delights. As an alternative to a self-drive, you can also travel on an organised tour, by old-fashioned riverboat, or by rail – US national operator Amtrak is shortly to reopen the Gulf Coastline linking Mobile, Alabama with New Orleans via Bay St Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.

Existing routes are the Crescent Route from New Orleans, with stops in Hattiesburg (Mississippi) and Tuscaloosa and Birmingham (Alabama), before heading to New York; and the City of New Orleans line, serving New Orleans, Jackson (Mississippi), and Memphis (Tennessee), before making its way up to Chicago.

To book your food-focused holiday in the Deep South, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Singapore through the seasons: why there’s always something to celebrate

10 August 2026

Singapore may be compact, but its calendar is packed with celebrations that can transform an already memorable city break into something even more special. Throughout the year, its neighbourhoods are illuminated by festival lights, the Marina Bay skyline becomes the backdrop for fireworks and motor racing, and streets fill with parades, markets, music, and food. Many events reflect Singapore’s multicultural identity, giving visitors the chance to experience Chinese, Malay, Indian, and international traditions within the same city. You don’t necessarily need to plan your entire holiday around one event, either. Time your visit well, and Singapore’s annual celebrations can add colour, flavour, and a real sense of occasion to the attractions, restaurants, and neighbourhoods already on your itinerary.

Why Portugal is the perfect destination for every type of traveller

10 August 2026

Some destinations ask you to choose between a city break and a beach holiday, culture and nature, or relaxation and adventure. Portugal makes it surprisingly easy to experience them all. Its size means you can explore Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, unwind beside the Atlantic, taste wine among the terraces of the Douro Valley, and hike through mountain or volcanic landscapes, sometimes within the same trip. Add a mild climate, warm hospitality, and a distinctive regional food scene, and it is easy to understand why so many people return to discover a different side of the country. Whether you are planning your first visit or looking for fresh inspiration, there is a version of Portugal to suit almost every kind of holiday.

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

07 August 2026

As summer draws to a close, city breaks come back into focus, and few destinations pack as much into a long weekend as Valletta. Malta's compact capital combines centuries of history with a thriving food scene, waterfront views, and a walkable centre that makes it easy to fit plenty into just a few days. With warm autumn temperatures, open-air cafés still spilling onto the streets, and a calendar of events continuing well beyond peak season, it's an easy choice for anyone looking for somewhere that feels both relaxed and full of character.

Explore the culinary genius of the Deep South

Singapore through the seasons: why there’s always something to celebrate

Why Portugal is the perfect destination for every type of traveller

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

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