One of the most unique and beloved U.S. cities, New Orleans offers an experience like no other. Those who vacation in New Orleans will find some of the best dining anywhere in the world, superb live jazz music performed in its birthplace, beautiful architecture that attests to the city’s 300-year history, world-famous festivals, intriguing neighborhoods, and a one-of-a-kind ambience created by the city’s blend of French, English, Spanish, African, Cajun and Creole cultures.
The Crescent City has made a great comeback since the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Air traffic to New Orleans is expected to soon be back to pre-Katrina levels. The core of the city, where the prime tourism destinations are, is thriving. New Orleans still has recovery work to do, however, and some who travel to New Orleans have been “voluntouring” by donating their time rebuilding while they’re visiting the city. The Big Easy’s major spring festivals continue to draw immense crowds. The pre-Lent Mardi Gras celebration, Jazzfest and the French Quarter Festival attract hundreds of thousands of revelers from across the globe. Once there they find the singular attractions of a New Orleans vacation as beguiling as ever.
With a subtropical climate, New Orleans’ average temperatures range from a low of 43°F in January to a high of 91°F in July. Weather is often humid and rain is common. Louis Armstrong International Airport is 15 minutes from the Central Business District and the French Quarter. Since New Orleans is a top convention destination, renting a car is easy. There’s also an airport shuttle service, and taxis are abundant. For an authentic New Orleans experience, be sure to take a ride on a famed streetcar for $1.25. A riverboat ride on the mighty Mississippi River is another time-honored tradition. For more information on New Orleans travel, log on to www.neworleanscvb.com, the convention and visitors bureau’s website.