Travel Advice for Louisiana...

Getting the most out of your trip to Louisiana means putting some time into plannimg your stay - here are a few travel tips to help you on your way...

• Festivals - You can find a festival to enjoy at pretty much any time of the year here, but definitely should double-check the times, dates and locations of smaller festivals before arriving to make sure the information is up to date.  Booking ahead for more well-known festivals such as Mardi Gras and the Jazz & Heritage Festival is crucial.
• Dining - The dining in Louisiana is second to none and you should expect a little weight gain (and even consider it a souvenir of having had a good time!).  But just remember that many dishes feature seafood, and many seafood-based recipes have unique names like jambalaya, étouffée and gumbo that you might not be familiar with. So if you have a seafood allergy always ask about the ingredients before ordering.
• Driving - Driving from New Orleans to other places within Louisiana is pretty straightforward, with key cities and small towns usually no more than an hour to two apart. A trip down River Road, one of Louisiana’s most stunning scenic drives, passes multiple plantations, historical churches and inspiring views of the Mississippi River.
• Weather - If hurricanes are a concern, the visitor bureaus across the state have safety information available on request.   Most likely, during the wet season (June to September), there'll just be a brief downpour in the late afternoon, just like in Florida and many other Southern USA States; so just remember to bring an umbrella!

For a full low-down, Neil, our Louisiana Expert, shares his top travel tips, read more...