North America: Round-the-World Travel Destinations

Budget Scale: 1-5

1-least expensive; 5-most expensive
3.5– The thing about budgeting for New Orleans is that prices change drastically depending on the time of year. Come during Mardi Gras, and it will cost 3 times more than other times of year. Come during the hot summer months, and you can get some great deals.

Indie Travel Scale: 1-5

1-not a good Indie Travel destination; 5-a great Indie Travel destination
3.5– New Orleans is one of the most culturally diverse large cities in the US, and as long as you get away from Bourbon Street, it is not difficult to have an indie travel experience.
Indie Travel Tips

• Get away from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter and explore some other districts – the Garden District is really nice, and if you head north from there, you get into the neighborhoods and away from the tourists.
• Go to Frenchman Street for some amazing live music 7 nights a week.
• Head further outside of the city center to the Maple Leaf for some more great live music.
• Music is a huge part of New Orleans – go to Bullet’s to see local musician Kermit Ruffins. They even have a food truck outside some nights for some great New Orleans food at a cheap price.
• Audubon Park is a great place to chill out outside of the city center.
• Before going to Audubon Park, head to Cajun Seafood and get some steamed crawfish and shrimp for a truly authentic New Orleans picnic.

Why you should add New Orleans to your RTW travel list

• Treat yourself to the good grub of the Big Easy
• Speaking of… Blackened catfish, etouffe, jambalya and a New Orleans Hurricane, mmm-mmm!
• Please your ears; this is the birthplace of jazz after all
• Take in a wild assortment of cultures
• Mardi Gras isn’t America’s biggest annual party for nothing
• African rhythm, French taste, Cajun attitude and American personality

Why you should not add New Orleans to your RTW travel list

• The only negative to adding New Orleans to your RTW itinerary is that it can be a bit pricey, but if you want to visit one of the most unique cities in the US, then budget for it.

Are you heading to New Orleans? What do you need to do?

• Buy an international plane ticket
• Book a New Orleans hostel
• Book a New Orleans hotel
• Talk to travelers on the North America message boards
• Check out our New Orleans Travel Guide

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