reluctanttourist

[reluctanttourist]

Social Networks added

Just updated my travel blog to post automatically to my Facebook and Twitter accounts. Will save a lot of time and hassle when posting updates to the blog ;)

[reluctanttourist]

Thought I would add a link to my Trip Advisor account. I will be posting reviews of pretty much all the places I visit, so even if I forget to update the blog, or don't have time, you’ll be able to check out those reviews here.

[reluctanttourist]

Tip! Check the exchange rates and historic rates well in advance of your travel date. It could save you $$$'s

Adam Cheal ~ The Reluctant Tourist ~ 2016

[reluctanttourist]

Three week update to USA Countdown!

So it’s now just three weeks until I hit the road and set out on my USA Deep South road trip... eek! It’s been over a year in the planning (and saving) and I can't believe it’s come around so quickly.

Pretty much all the major stuff is done now and all hotels, the car rental and some attractions are booked. Pretty much know where I’m going, how long it takes and what I want to see on the trip. Of course there are bound to be some last moment changes and the odd unexpected incident (hopefully good ones).

I’ve already made some last moment changes to stuff like hotels and also where I am going to spend the first night. The original plan was to stop by Atlanta airport at the Hotel Indigo and crash, setting off super early to reach Biloxi. I thought that as there was not much to do by the airport and it will be mid afternoon (local time), I could brave the road for an hour and head further south on the i85. After looking at the map, there is pretty much fuckall in-between Atlanta and Montgomery. I didn't want to try the two hour trek to Monty, so I am stopping in a town bordering Georgia and Alabama called LaGrange (Not the town in the ZZ Top song, I think that’s in Texas).

While the destination won't be too exciting, it offers a few advantages.

1. I will be one hour closer to Biloxi on the Sunday, making my journey a four hour one, rather than 5.

2. I will have time to get used to the car.

3. Won’t have planes keeping my up all night

4. FREE breakfast at the Wingate in LaGrange and it’s less expensive to stay there.

Another noteworthy change is the fact that I have decided to not stay in the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Atlanta. It was overpriced, had some less than thrilling reviews and nearly everything cost extra, such as Wi-Fi and parking (which seems to be standard for downtown). I have opted to stay at a new build/refurbished hotel called Hotel Indigo Downtown. It has good reviews so far, is a good price and I like the idea of staying in a hotel that has not had as much human traffic (not the sexy kind of course).

Next thing on my checklist is to check all my recording equipment as I plan on adding video reviews from all the hotels I stay in and other stuff on the trip.

Seeya!

[reluctanttourist]

Hopefully, this will be my car for my three week USA Deep South Road Trip. Not sure if it will be red, but that would be choice. Just a shame most roads in the USA are 55MPH max. Would love to open this baby up.

[reluctanttourist]

USA Deep South Road Trip

When starting a blog, it’s hard to know where to start exactly. So I thought I’d start with the plans for my next major trip. Yup, you guessed from the title that I am heading on a three week road trip touring the Deep South of the USA.

I will be flying into Atlanta on Saturday the 7th May 2016. From there is straight to Alamo, the car rental place to collect the chariot that will be my friend, confident and lover over the next three weeks. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to drive a Ford Mustang and hopefully (If Alamo don’t screw me) I will get to do so.

From there it’s off to the Hotel Indigo by the airport. I didn't feel the need to book a flash hotel on the first night for a couple of reasons. First, I will be knackered and just want a quick bite. Second, it’s only a pit stop until I hit the road at 6AM to head for the Gulf Coast.

On day two, I am stopping by the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch for a look at some real life alligators. It’s not the best rated place, but right on my route. from there, I am checking into the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi for two nights. While it’s not the true form of luxury, it’s right up my street and looks pretty decent.

On Tuesday the 10th, I am heading to the Oak Alley plantation houses in Louisiana to get a look at some history and get more educated. After this, it’s to the Hotel Mazarin in New Orleans for three nights. This new boutique hotel looks stunning and I am expecting big things. The hotel PR guy is also going to meet with me to discuss the hotel and get an interview, so that’s pretty rad.

From NOLA, it’s a long drive to Tupelo to see the birth place of Elvis. Come on, if you're in the area, you pretty much have to. This will also be a chance to get the car on the open road of the Natchez trace and see some Southern countryside. From Tupelo, we go to Graceland for the day then off to Memphis downtown.

While in downtown Memphis, I will be staying at the world famous Peabody hotel. You know, the one with the ducks. After this, I head to Chattanooga for one night after stopping at the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg. I also hope to sample some BBQ at the Barrelhouse BBQ while there.

From here I head into the Great Smoky Mountains for some time. Gatlinburg first where I’ll be staying at the Lodge at Buckberry Creek before a weekend stay at the Hampton Inn downtown. Gatlinburg does not have many real luxury places downtown, so I went for location first.

Then, it’s onto Pigeon Forge where I get to see Dollywood and stay at the world famous Inn at Christmas Place, where its Christmas all year round. I’ll probably want to kill myself after four nights, but it should be an experience.

Lastly, it will a couple of nights at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Atlanta. While in town I plan on going to the world famous Aquarium and Coca Cola museum. I also have base line tickets at turner field to see a major league baseball game followed by fireworks. Should be a nice way to end the trip.

You wouldn't believe the planning and research involved in this trip so far, so in the run up, I will be sharing little things here and there before I go.

Thanks for reading.

~Adam~

[reluctanttourist]

My first post...

Hey everyone. I’ve wanted to start this travel blog for a while now and my up coming road trip in the USA Deep South has prompted me to do just that. I plan on filling this blog with photos, videos and reviews of noteworthy places that I visit during my travels. You won’t see any negative posts as I only want to post good stuff here. So if you see a place features, rest assured it will be worth a visit. Thanks for reading and more to come very soon :)