Portions of America are divided in culture and personality so thoroughly that sometimes it can feel like this country is five or six different countries bundled into one.  The South has a long and deep cultural history that has its roots in this nation's birth.  When people from the North or West visit, they aren't sure how to act or what to say to be accepted.

Luckily, the South is known for its hospitality.

Here's what you should know about the South before you visit:

Summers Are Hot And Humid

If you think you know hot weather, you won't be prepared for hot weather in the South.  In Areas like Georgia, where it can reach over a hundred degrees, there's also humidity on top of that.  This pressure can make the temperature feel higher and leave more people open to getting heatstroke.

Winters Are Getting Colder

Southerners often call people who fly South for the winter 'snowbirds.'  These yearly visitors avoid the ice and gloom of a Northern winter while also getting to enjoy a nice vacation.  Unfortunately, because of climate change, winters are getting colder, and summers are getting hotter.  This may put a damper on some winter vacation plans, especially since power outages go hand in hand with cold weather in the South.

Hurricanes Are No Joke

The South has been through at least three hurricanes a year since the beginning of written history in the area.  These behemoth storms come in and cause total devastation.  They're not just a thunderstorm or a small breeze, so it's essential to keep this season in mind when you're planning on traveling.  Hurricane risk season can change from area to area, but it tends to stretch from May and November.  If you're planning a trip during this time, pay attention to the weather in the weeks leading up to it, and ensure that you cancel if things start looking rough.

The Locals Will Welcome You

Southern hospitality isn't an urban myth; people in the South are more welcoming to strangers than the average person in a large city.  If you approach them with honesty and kindness, they'll turn it back on you tenfold.  Many Southerners are raised to call everyone 'ma'am' or 'sir,' which may make those who aren't used to it a little uneasy, but it's out of kindness and welcoming.  You'll be looking for Charlotte houses for sale within ten minutes of your first conversation with a local.

You’re Going To Gain Some Vacation Weight

Although the fresh produce in the South is impressive, with peaches, watermelon, and oranges that could make anyone's mouth water: this isn't what people think of when Southern food comes to mind. Instead, homemade biscuits, fried chicken, and other unhealthy but delicious treats come to mind.  Southern food has a habit of sticking to your ribs, and thighs, and hips: but it's worth it for how delicious it is! If you're worried about putting on weight, you can burn off the extra calories with anything from swimming on the beaches to hiking through the country's most beautiful national parks.