A little planning before your New Orleans travel can make the difference between a great trip and a good trip.  Here are some things that you may want to consider: 

• In the summer, it will be hot and rain will likely come almost every afternoon. Plan accordingly.
• Shorts when it is hot is the norm. We suggest a closed sole shoe, as opposed to a flip-flop. The streeets of the French Quarter are sloppy, and often wet with who knows what!
• Many drivers in New Orleans are distracted. BE CAREFUL when you are crossing the streets.
• Generally, it is safe to stay on the most populated streets in the French Quarter. The further you venture off the beaten path, the more dangerous it is likely to become.
• We suggest not to bet someone where you got your shoes, or the like. Street performers, who do a good job, deserve a tip - beggers do not.
• Hotels in crowded areas during festivals such as Mardi Gras often do not let non-visitors inside to use the restrooms. In a restaurant, they expect you to have a meal.
• Travel within the French Quarter can easily be done by walking, or the red (Riverside) streetcar line.
• Travel from the French Quarter to the Garden District (St. Charles Avenue) can be accomplished by the green or St. Charles streetcar line, or taxi.
• Travel from the French Quarter to Magazine Street can be accomplished by the green streetcar line, but there is more walking, a taxi is advised.
• The WWII, Civil War, and Children's museums are a pretty far walk from Canal Street and the French Quarter Hotels. A taxi is advisable.
• There is no streetcar to take you to Lakeside Mall or the Lakefront. A taxi or automobile is required.
• If you are driving, parking is tough in the French Quarter. We suggest major hotel lots (for a fee) or lots along Decatur Street (for a fee).
• The Mercedes-Benz Superdome does not give tours.
• Crawfish season is February through June, Crabs are in season June through September, and Oysters are available year-round.
• Non-drunken drinking is legal on the streets of New Orleans, provided your beverage is in a plastic or paper container.
• During Mardi Gras, everything changes because of the volume of people.