New Orleans, USA

Full of excess and extremes, New Orleans is the epitome of the dreamer-town. Its cultural diversity is what entices visitors to flock to this southern city along the Mississippi River. The people are friendly but unusual. They bring a sort of mystique to the streets, where you immediately pick up on the contagious laissez faire attitude going around. Whether youre new to the city or a veteran-of-a-visitor here, youll know that you cant quite place New Orleans in any set category. Its an anomaly of color and wonder, and theres a good chance youll enjoy it here more than you expected.

When to go

Summer is brutal in New Orleans, and winter can be quite chilly, so youre basically left with a choice between spring and autumn. The question you might be asking yourself is, do I want spend my trip in non-stop party city, or an easygoing one with discounts for a tight budget? But opting for a flight during autumn will mean missing out on Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest! These are the two biggest events on the annual calendar! But, if you dont mind forgoing the colorful beads or thumping streets, then autumn will suit you well, and you can easily save a pretty penny.

Getting there and around

Louis Armstrong International Airport is New Orleans connection to the world, though domestic flights far outnumber international flights. When you arrive, youll be pleased with the speedy service the airport has to offer, and youll be outside waiting for a bus or getting into a taxi in no time. The airport runs its own shuttle service to downtown hotels if you feel like saving even more money.

Bus service for the city is provided by the Regional Transit Authority, and taxis either owned by White Fleet Cabs or United Cabs. All are metered so you wont have to haggle with fares beforehand. If you feel like enjoying an especially sunny and warm day find a bicycle shop that rents two-wheelers.

Attractions

Mardi Gras is one of the biggest parties on the planet, apart from New Years Day celebrations around the world. People seem to act shamelessly during this time, and though the police have cracked down heavily on erratic behavior, its still as wild as ever. If you visit during the lead up to the big day, youll feel the people anticipating and see preparations well under way long before Fat Tuesday.

Jazz Fest is another event that brings lots of people to New Orleans from all over the world. Musicians both recognized and not-so-recognized perform on the more than 10 stages outfitted for the two weekends that are set aside for the event.

New Orleans Aquarium of the Americas is one of the most fascinating aquatic zoos in the world. A walk-through tube allows you to come within inches of moray eels and hawksbill turtles. There are numerous tanks with giant tropical creatures like sawfish, sharks, and dolphins. Dont be surprised if you find yourself walking through the entire complex a second time around.

The French Quarter of New Orleans is what attracts most people to the city. It was the original center, and though its influence on normal city life has faded, tourists still flock to the area walk down Bourbon Street to see attractions like the Old Ursuline Convent. Of course, Bourbon Street is lined with bars and infamous adult venues, but it seems the area has cleaned its act up quite a bit, enough to ensure that children walking through with their families wont be asking too many questions. After taking in some of the Greek Revival buildings, visit the museums of Cabildo and Presbytere, where New Orleanss history is shown in both favorable and seedy lights.

Dont forget to make a pass through the Garden District, where the famed Audubon Zoological Gardens are housed the Gardens are home to some of the most fascinating collections of exotic wildlife in the country.