How We Vacationed To New Orleans on a Budget

Transportation

Although we drove to New Orleans, there was absolutely no need for a car once we were there. The street cars are the most popular way to get about and only cost $1.25 each way. Also everything is relatively close and worth the walk.

Avoid all Chains and stick to the mom and pops

Could you believe on our trip we would even consider eating at McDonald. We ditched the Big M and found ourselves at “Slim Goodies Diner”. I ended up with the New Orleans Slammer, and couldn’t even eat lunch! The best part about Slim Goodies in New Orleans, is that its a locals spot and not a tourist trap.

Breakfast was followed by lots of walking and sight seeing. We first found ourselves in the
Garden District. This I would have to say is one of my favorite parts of traveling to New Orleans.

The Garden District, is home to beautiful, historic mansions and boast some of New Orleans, top restaurants and bars. This part of the city was developed in 1832 for the rich. You can Spend hours strolling along taking in the sights of the historic mansions and checking out the famous cemeteries.

The French Quarter

We Started the day our second day at the renowned French Quarter. The Homes in the French Quarter are Gorgeous 18^th Century style. Between Bourbon Street & Royal Street you can be entertained for days. From antique shopping on Royal to some of the best Cajun food in the city the French Quarter is alive in every corner and every sense of the word… Also, the French Quarter is home to Pirates Alley, Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral. Theres a whole site dedicated to the French Quarter that offers a detailed map.

As two teenagers on a budget we were inclined to take the Free Walking Tours. The guides are freelance New Orleans tour guides and are full of personality that bring everything to life. My favorite part was there knowledge of local places that you won’t find on your typical Nola, tour guide book such as Please-U-Restaurant.

Accommodations

Although New Orleans is full of hotels, during peak travel season they can get a little bit pricey. We were lucky enough to have made some friends from NOLA when they visited Boston. We decided to go the couch surfing route! Before we traveled to New Orleans “couchsurfing” sites weren’t around, now they’re very popular. I recommend it for the young & bold, adventurous and broke :). This is a great way to meet new friends and learn about other cultures (when traveling abroad)

A Must Take Tour

New Orleans is undeniably the Voodoo capital of America, therefore it would be unjust to travel 1500 mile and not take the Voodoo tour. The tour takes you to Congo Square, talks about the Haitian rebellion and many more. What I found the most interesting was the story of Marie Laveau. The “Voodoo Queen of New Orleans” For many years, it was believed that Marie Laveau, was immortal and some how was able to regenerate to her former youthful self. Later it was found that she had a daughter who shared not only a name, but a striking resemblance of her mother.

From street bands to jazz halls, and the bars blaring jazz, New Orleans, has music in its soul. We ended each day by listening to the tunes of New Orleans, on Frenchmen Street. Unfortunately, our adventure had to be cut short. It was Jazz Fest, which meant everything was over inflated. We packed our bags, got some rest and prepared for the trip back to Massachusetts. Our trip to New Orleans, was brief but the memories are everlasting.