You can get back to Mississippi's lovely Gulf Coast region on a budget once again with new, non-stop flight service from Atlanta.

Since AirTran eliminated its non-stop flights to Gulfport-Biloxi back in January, Delta saw a chance to increase airfares considerably. For instance, today Delta's lowest one-way rate is $289. Yes, the carrier does have a round-trip rate of $218, but it requires a 21-day advance notice of travel and a weekend stay.

What about those cheapo flights? They're back with Southern Skyways. Flights are scheduled public charters.

One-way sale rates are $69 and valid on departures and returns on Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays through next June. The one-way rate inclusive of all extras is $84.60.

The carrier also offers bundled vacation packages to Gulfport-Biloxi with per person rates from $229, including round-trip airfares, a two-night hotel stay in either the Grand Biloxi Casino Hotel & Spa or the IP Casino Resort & Spa, and airport transfers (valid Wednesday-Friday). Per person rates are from $319 for Friday-Sunday packages.

Even if you're not a gambler, go to enjoy the Gulf beaches (try Ocean Springs between New Orleans and Mobile and 10 minutes from Biloxi's Casino Row (www.nps.gov/guis/miss.htm); and play golf along the "Golf Coast".

Go south this summer!

Featured

The renovation of Jekyll Island's Great Dunes golf course includes nine holes designed by Walter Travis in the 1920s for the members of the Jekyll Island Club. Several holes that were part of the original layout where located along the beach and were bulldozed in the 1950s.(Photo by Austin Kaseman)

Credit: Photo by Austin Kaseman