New Orleans
I haven’t even come close to visiting all the places on my Travel Bucket List but I think I can safely say that so far, New Orleans is my favourite destination. What is it about New Orleans? It’s so difficult to put it into words but I will try my best…
It’s not just a place, it’s a state of mind, it’s a feeling. It’s walking down a street adorned by 18th century French colonial beauty and suddenly getting butterflies in your tummy when the sweet aroma of Magnolia blooms in the sunshine, and the distant distinct sounds of a brass street band take you back, back to a time where you have never been. Like a genetic memory. Have I been here before? Because it feels like home, and I never want to leave. Sounds crazy eh? Maybe that’s why so many have been drawn to this city over the years and stayed. The city is rich with culture and history, and it’s that, combined with the sights, sounds, scents, and tastes that truly captivate the soul and the senses.
When to go
The weather in New Orleans is HOT HOT HOT! Not the kind of hot you get in the south of Spain, it’s humid and sticky, so my advice would be to avoid the scorching summer months between June and October which are also hurricane season. I have travelled there in both April and May and the weather was perfect, averaging around 26 degrees celsius and the humidity wasn’t too bad. Another great reason to travel there in April or May is The Jazz & Heritage Festival which usually takes place last weekend in April and first weekend in June. You don’t have to be a die hard jazz fan to enjoy the festival, headliners from the last few years included Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, and Maroon 5 so there’s something for everyone, and trust me, going to the festival is an awesome day out. Check out my destination guide to Jazz Fest here. Another popular time to visit is during Mardi Gras in early March but unfortunately I haven’t attend yet as accommodation prices skyrocket during that week as demand is high. But I haven’t completely ruled that one out for future trips.
Getting there
Flights are generally quite reasonable to get to New Orleans, probably the best thing you can do is to check out Kayak or Skyscanner to find flights and prices from your origin airport. For both of my trips there I flew in from Dublin airport via London Heathrow and arriving at Louis Armstrong Airport early evening around 7pm. It’s very easy to find transport from the airport to your hotel. As soon as you leave arrivals and head for the exit, there’s a desk where you can buy your shuttle bus ticket, plus the return bus ticket for your departure. Doesn’t matter where you’re staying, the friendly bus driver does drop offs at all the hotels in and around the French Quarter.
Where to stay
Maison Dupuy on Toulousse Street in The French Quarter is my recommendation if you are looking for a hotel that’s bang smack in the middle of the action yet far enough away from Bourbon Street that you’re not disturbed by the noise.
The Hotel is a quaint oldy worldy style New Orleansian Hotel. Cosy, homely, spotlessly clean, amazing staff, swimming pool & courtyard, and a bar/restaurant that serves an amazing breakfast.
It’s a little pricey compared to some other French Quarter Hotels, but if you’re willing to pay a little extra for comfort and location, this is the place to stay.
What to pack
Comfy walking shoes - High SPF sunscreen - A cool sun hat
A rain poncho (for surprise downpours)
A power bank - handy for when you’re on a day trip, taking photos can drain your phone battery (the ones from Penneys work fine hun)
Pocket ground tarp if you’re going to Jazz Fest (you can find them at most camping stores or from Wish)
Small crossbody bag, money belt, or bum bag (groovy I know, but to keep your essentials safe when out & about on Bourbon Street)
What not to pack
Heels, or any type of fancy shoes that will kill your feet
Your regular fancy shmancy Saturday night outfits (maybe one or two smart casual outfits but people don’t go full on Saturday night wear in New Orleans, most bars are casual)
Designer handbags (you may as well hold up a neon sign that says “pick pocket the tourist”)
Hairdryer and straightener (it’s so humid that your hair probably won’t stay straight anyway, so maybe go with the mousse option and embrace the waves)