Planning an inexpensive vacation to New Orleans
By Aimee Heckel
Between Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl, chances are you have New Orleans on the mind.
Celebrating Mardi Gras in Louisiana has been called the “greatest free party on earth.” Even if you missed Fat Tuesday on Feb. 12, New Orleans can be an exciting and inexpensive vacation this spring.
Here are some New Orleans highlights — and how to enjoy them on the cheap:
1. Dine at The Court of Two Sisters. This award-winning restaurant also carries a strong history. Dinner prices tend to be high ($20-plus per entree, although well worth it), so if you’re on a budget, opt for a jazz brunch or head next door to the Court Tavern. Get your po-boys fix at this authentic Cajun restaurant, where most menu items cost less than $10.
2. Feeling hungry at home? Even if you can’t make it down south, The Court of Two Sisters provides a list of authentic Cajun recipes online.
3. Museums are always a great way to explore a community without having to take out a second mortgage on your home. Check out the Mardi Gras exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum. Check out rare artifacts, incredible costumes and displays and fun videos and activities for only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students and military, and free to kids under 12.
4. Check the web for New Orleans travel packages. Cheaptickets.com offers a variety of packages to New Orleans, with hotel rooms starting as low as $72 per night at the Historic Cotton Exchange Hotel. Check out Southwest Vacation’s deals, too. Book your Southwest Airline Vacation trip through ShopAtHome.com and get 3 percent cash back.
5. Explore the waters on a steamboat or a riverboat tour. Check out the value packages offered through Steamboat Natchez. These combo packages are sold at a reduced rate. For example, take a jazz cruise plus Gray Line Super City Tour for $63 per adult, $27 per child ages 6 to 12.
6. Take a guided tour of the city, such as the Big Easy Jazz Tour along Bourbon Street for $49 per adult. Note: This is an adult-only tour. Looking to save money? Take yourself on your own tour of the French Quarter by downloading a free walking tour pamphlet.
7. Visit the national park for jazz. All events are free and open to the public. We’re talking live jazz, gospel — musical legends. Check out the schedule of events online.
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