introduction
Huebi: Map of USA with Alabama highlighted; 27 May 2006
Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States on the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War. The total area of the state is 135,765 km².
surfing
Adrien Lamaare: Mobile, Alabama; 1999
Depending on how long you have you could spend your entire surfing vacation in California, if you have the time however no real surfing trip would be complete without driving aross southern USA. Maybe stop in at Lousiana for some year round merchantman wake surfing in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes are bad news plain and simple around here. Ideally the storm cells will disintegrate to a very dirty depression by the time they enter the Gulf, occasionally spraying Alabama with some rare groundswell.
travel
Jared C.: Amtrak train; 19 March 2004
There are many ways of travelling in the US: by plane, private jet, train, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, thumb or car.
Trains are relatively expensive; private jets can begin at around $4000 per flight hour; buses are generally dependable, safe and affordable, though not available everywhere; renting an RV is up to your personal taste; motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country as well as travelling by thumb.
And of course, the idea of long-distance car travel is the most appealing to the majority of Americans. The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Just keep in mind that the country is huge and be prepared to travel for hours behind the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use. By the way, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are almost impossible to get to without a car.
where to stay
James Willamor: Birmingham, Alabama, from Vulcan Park; 11/11/05
You shouldn’t have any problems with finding a place to sleep in Alabama. Motel is the most popular form of accommodation and they are usually located on the sides of the highways, so it’s very convenient for the road trippers. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but they will usually provide you with a clean room that includes the following amenities: bed, bathroom, TV, telephone. Price is also very reasonable. Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels are popular chains of motels that can be found all over the country.
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama with many different types of accommodation: budget (Motel 6 and Microtel Inns & Suites Birmingham), mid-range (Birmingham Microtel Inn, Hyatt Place Birmingham/Hoover, Residence Inn Birmingham Homewood/Inverness, Candlewood Suites, America's Best Inn & Suites, est Western Carlton Suites, etc) and splurge (Birmingham Marriott).
what to pack
Mohylek-Fujifilm Finepix S9000; 1 April 2007
Alabama has very hot summers and mild winters with copious precipitation throughout the year. So take trainers, loose clothing - everything for the hot weather. Take some warm clothings as well. Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Don’t forget to take waterproof clothes/gear/backpack for the rainy season.
A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking.