New Orleans for Mardi Gras

[daddysbaby150]

So my sister and I always do something for our birthdays which fall at the end of February/beginning of March. Seeing as this year is my 40th, I want to make it memorable. My BFF from high school mentioned a throwback girls trip to New Orleans, getting some of our old friends together and driving down (about 10 hours, 1 way). So lit friends, tell me the tricks to doing this on the cheap, while staying safe and having fun. I know you will all have some great fun ideas. I need to know where to stay within 30/45 min of where all the action will be that isn't going to get me robbed, raped, or killed. And where do I have to go for the best food and drinks and where do I avoid/not fall into tourist traps? Thanks in advance.

 

[lovetopleasewomen]

You ask a lot. It's been forever since I've been there & never since Katrina so I have no idea what you'll find. But the French Quarter was always my fav spot & I thought it was always cool to visit the above ground cemeteries.

There's no way to prep you for the chaos that is Mardi Gras, you'll just have to see it for yourself, play it by ear.

 

[UpwardSpiral]

I'm afraid that one of the issues you will encounter this late in the game is finding a decent hotel room in a decent part of town. You can try looking for rooms in Slidell or Kenner, which will still put you 30-45 minutes away from the action, as you mentioned. Perhaps more with traffic.

 

[daddysbaby150]

Thanks for the info here and thru PM's. Unfortunately, it looks like there are too many outside variables to make this trip happen. Still on my bucket list, just not for this year.

 

[EmpressJosephine]

So my sister and I always do something for our birthdays which fall at the end of February/beginning of March. Seeing as this year is my 40th, I want to make it memorable. My BFF from high school mentioned a throwback girls trip to New Orleans, getting some of our old friends together and driving down (about 10 hours, 1 way). So lit friends, tell me the tricks to doing this on the cheap, while staying safe and having fun. I know you will all have some great fun ideas. I need to know where to stay within 30/45 min of where all the action will be that isn't going to get me robbed, raped, or killed. And where do I have to go for the best food and drinks and where do I avoid/not fall into tourist traps? Thanks in advance.

I have the same advice for everyone who goes to New Orleans, one of my favorite places in the whole world:

1. For food and lodging, stick to the French Quarter (daytime trips to other areas are cool, though);

2. Takes guided tours (French Quarter, cemetaries, Garden District, etc.); and

3. Never go during Mardi Gras (unless you are rich or well connected enough to get into the most exclusive parties in the French Quarter [usually on the upper floors of the taverns overlooking Bourbon Street]).​

You probably did not want to hear this, especially #3, but trust me. I've been to New Orleans a lot, and this is advice to follow.