While Lynyrd Skynyrd may have put Sweet Home Alabama in our heads and hearts (you’re singing it right now, aren’t you?), the Yellowhammer State has long been delivering sweet, sweet goodies. From stunning scenery to a lively music scene and its Civil Rights history, Alabama delivers. Viva Holidays does, too, with new packages to show you just how sweet (and homely) Alabama truly is.
Named after its state bird, Alabama is as geographically diverse as it is charming. From the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Alabama to the south’s gorgeous white-sand beaches, the great outdoors appeals to Australian travellers.
It’s not only the picture-perfect scenery that impresses. American music finds its roots in two iconic Alabama music studios and lively events and festivals across the state. Mobile, one of America’s oldest cities, holds the record for the oldest carnival celebration in the States!
Discovering Alabama’s heritage while visiting is a must-do, as US Civil Rights changed history here. From the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Birmingham Black Business District rallies, the political landscape changed forever.
5 reasons to road trip Alabama
Here are five epic reasons why scenic, iconic, history-making Alabama should be on your US vacay radar:
- Nature’s wonder: From towering mountains to gushing falls to scenic trails, nature abounds in Alabama. The landscapes, climate, flora, and fauna make it one of the most biodiverse states in the US.
- Music: Fame Music Studios and Muscle Shoals Sounds produced hit records by legends like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and the Rolling Stones! There’s also live music at the Orion Amphitheatre, fab festivals, and Mardi Gras, held annually in Mobile since 1703!
- Civil Rights History: It’s no small claim to fame to be the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, with Alabama playing a crucial role. From museums to historic sites and more, include stops during your stay.
- Outer space: Known as Rocket City, Huntsville is home to the world’s largest space museum and centre. Also, live out your childhood fantasies at the open-to-all Space Camp.
- Beaches: You may not know Alabama for its beaches, but you’ll be glad you checked them out. Especially as there’s exceptional food, from BBQ to seafood to Birmingham, the dinner table of the south and home to many award-winning restaurants.
Ready-to-go packages
Viva Holidays has three expansive self-drive itineraries, ensuring ample ways to discover the best of Alabama and beyond.
Nashville to New Orleans
This 15-day self-drive itinerary is perfect for travellers seeking adventure, history, and an unforgettable journey through the Deep South.
Alabama takes centre stage across the multi-stop itinerary, thanks to its rich history, legendary music, and the type of hospitality you thought was exaggerated in the movies.
Trip highlights include nightlife on Nashville’s Broadway Street and Montgomery’s The Alley. Squishing the Gulf of Mexico’s sugar-white sands between your toes (and taste-testing fresh gulf seafood). And don’t miss live music at Flora-Bama, a true honky-tonk venue on Orange Beach!
This package includes:
- 14 nights in hand-picked, comfortable accommodation in Nashville, Florence, Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Gulf Shores, Mobile & New Orleans
- Digital documentation and app access with maps, driving instructions, and suggested stops and sights for the ultimate freedom
- 15 days Alamo car hire+ in a Toyota Corolla (or similar)
- From $3,785 per person twin share
- Find out more
Civil Rights History
Self-drive your way through the heart of the region’s Civil Rights Movement on an incredible 14-day journey. From learning how the struggle for equality shaped the nation’s history to the South’s beats-so-strong vibe in Nashville, Memphis, and Muscle Shoals, this is an adventure to enrich mind, heart, and soul.
Top stops include the Burkle Estate, once part of the Underground Railroad network that helped people escape slavery, the wealth of civil rights history attractions across the route, and your chance to try hearty Southern soul food at the Four Way.
This package includes:
- 13 nights in hand-selected, comfortable hotels in Nashville, Memphis, Jackson, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Albany, Savannah, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville
- Digital documentation and app access with maps, driving instructions, and suggested stops and sights for the ultimate freedom
- 14 days Alamo car hire+ in a Toyota Corolla (or similar)
- From $3,539 per person twin share
- Find out more
Southern Coast
If you love your holidays filled with delightful coastal gems, vibrant culture, and history that proves the tenacity of the human spirit, this Viva Holidays 9-day self-drive itinerary is for you.
Starting and concluding in New Orleans, trip highlights include NOLA’s lively French Quarter, and Mobile’s French iron cast balconies and southern antebellum homes.
There’s also Alabama’s expansive coastline, where walking or biking Gulf State Park’s 45 km of paved trails reveals the region’s unique ecosystem.
This Southern Coast package includes:
- 8 nights in hand-picked comfortable accommodation in New Orleans, Mobile, and Gulf Shores
- Digital documentation and app access with maps, driving instructions, and suggested stops and sights for the ultimate freedom
- 9 days Alamo car hire+ in a Toyota Corolla (or similar)
- From $2,429 per person twin share
- Find out more
Discover more
To learn more about these packages, head here or speak to your preferred travel agent to book.
Agents, book your clients on any of these exclusive packages in Mango, Viva Holidays’ online agent booking system.
For marketing assets, Viva Holidays has a dedicated agent platform to support.
This article is brought to you by Viva Holidays, Alabama Tourism and Visit The USA.
