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Hey, I’m Lori –
the traveler, the road tripper and the face behind Southerner Says – your first stop for travel and road trip information across North America and beyond. More than a website – Southerner Says is a labor of love – it’s my life and the places I’ve fallen in love with on my travels. Every guide and every itinerary I share comes from real, first-hand experience. So whether I’m checking into a five-star resort, camping under the stars or even sleeping in my car (yep, I’ve done that!), you can count on genuine travel advice, every time.
Why Southerner Says Exists
Travel is more than just a hobby for me – it’s my life. It’s how I connect with the world, the people in it and even myself. Every road driven, every country visited and every sunset I chase, is part of a bigger journey and Southerner Says is the place where it all comes together.
This isn’t a blog about checking boxes or getting the perfect Instagram shot. It’s about real, meaningful travel – from dirt roads to off the beaten path places and short road trips to epic cross-country adventures. It’s about seeing the places you want to see and experiencing them your own way.
I created Southerner Says to share what I’ve learned from traveling – the fun, the mistakes and the lessons that come from being on the road, in the air and – at times – maybe – in the passenger seat when I let my daughter drive. This is the place to help you be well traveled, plan better and experience more, no matter your style, your pace or your destination.
What Makes Southerner Says Different
Everything here comes from my experiences – the places I’ve visited, the trails I’ve hiked and the resorts I’ve stayed in – there’s no pretense, no influencing and no agenda beyond helping you get the most out of your own travels.
Travel for me is about connection – to a place, to the land, to the cultures I visit and most importantly, to the people I meet along the way. That’s what fuels everything on Southerner Says, and it’s what I hope you feel when you explore these pages.
Wherever the Road or the Runway Takes You
Here’s what you’ll find on Southerner Says:
North America Travel
The majority of travel guides here focus on the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but you’ll also find glimpses from other countries – I do love a European coffee and an Aperol Spritz.
National Park Guides
From parks and forests to deserts and oceans, Southerner Says is all about getting out on public lands. Whether it’s finding the perfect campsite or a quiet trail, you’ll find tips to help you explore it all.
Road Trip Itineraries
Flying gets you there fast, but the real fun is on the road. Highways, scenic byways and backroads, the U.S. is made for road trips. I’ll show you how to make the most of every mile.
Travel for Everyone
Since solo trips are a big part of my travels, most of the articles here are from a solo female’s perspective. That said, the guides and tips are useful for anyone – even couples and families and everyone else!
TRAVEL PLANNING
Join the Journey
Add you email to get bites, sips and notes from the road – plus a monthly postcard with places you won’t find in a guidebook.