Cheap flights from Phoenix to Charleston from £162

If you want a good read whilst you are visiting Charleston, writer Edgar Allan Poe’s famous short story The Gold Bug is a perfect choice. Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island between 1827-8 and wrote the story whilst there. It is fun to read the book as you will recognise many of the places the writer describes. Pop into Poe’s Tavern, too, as it is full of information about the writer’s stay in the area.

Charleston has a rich and, at times, troubled history. If you want to really delve into its past, a visit to Middleton Place will give you a great insight into life on the plantations. The Southern Flanker’s House Museum details exactly how people lived, and this includes the slaves. Middleton Place is open Monday — Saturday 09.00 — 5.00 p.m.

The area known as Greater Charleston comprises tidal saltwater marshes, and these are perfect for kayaking. You can rent single and double kayaks, or if you prefer, you can try stand up paddle boards. You can explore the area independently, or you can join a guided tour operated by Coastal Expeditions. Either way, you are in for a treat as there are numerous different birds to spot and a good chance of seeing bottle-nosed dolphins and loggerhead turtles, too.