Non-Mardi Gras New Orleans

Fat Tuesday is on its way, but just because you're visiting New Orleans, doesn't mean you have to spend your whole trip drunk and disorderly. In fact, you might have a lot more fun - and actually remember your trip - if you get off of Bourbon Street for part of your vacation. There are actually a lot of things to do in New Orleans when there aren't drunken crowds showing their goods for beads. 

photo credit

Did you know that New Orleans is a great budget destination? I didn't either! Why not take a little detour from the revelers in the street and explore these options after a big plate of beignets:

photo credit

Save on your trip to New Orleans with the Power Pass. Starting as low as $28 per day, gain entry to the must-see attractions of the city. Choose from places like the Musee Conti Wax Museum, Audubon Zoo, Cajun Pride Swamp Tour and much more! Available in 1, 2, 3 and 5 day durations. Add a 1-3 day MealTicket to eat at awesome restaurants for one low price. If you know you’ll be stuffing your face with étouffée, jambalaya and other Cajun deliciousness, this is definitely the way to go!

photo credit

You can also take advantage of OpenTable’s deals for dining. With special menus at some restaurants, you can save money, or just reserve a table that will get you points towards a free meal in the future and ensure you don’t have to wait around if the restaurant is busy.

photo credit

Here’s another fantastic way to save on meals. Here are 10 places to eat under $10. You can’t beat that. Almost. Here’s a short list, but if you want more, check out Fodor’s website for a list of others.

• Cochon Butcher
• The Company Burger
• Domenica
• Camellia Grill
• Parasol's
• R&O's
• Angeli on Decatur
• Balcony Bar & Café 
• Café du Monde
• Trolley Stop Café

photo credit

Like to be scared? New Orleans has always claimed to have a rich history in the occult and creepy myths. For an hour and a half walk among the darkened streets on the New Orleans Vampire Tour for only $20 per person. Many other walks are available, but who wouldn't want to believe in the undead and the horrible things that happen in the shadows of the city? Of course, if you’re heading to Louisiana for a little romantic getaway, you might want to pick a different tour…although, this will probably give you a fantastic reason to snuggle close to your significant other, even after the walk is over.

photo credit

Bringing the kids with you? Take a trip to the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Admission is $8 for everyone ($10 if you wait to purchase tickets at the door) and children 1 and under are free. They have more than 30,000 square feet of interactive exhibits to keep you and your little ones entertained for hours and hours. Learn a whole bunch of stuff while you’re having fun, so you don’t even know it’s educational!

photo credit

Hop on the Canal-Algiers Ferry for free (if on foot) and get some of the best views of New Orleans from the Mississippi. (Also, how many other times are you gonna get to travel the Mississippi?!) Before returning on the ferry, grab a bite at one of the many cafes and take a walk along the Jazz Walk of Fame.

photo credit

The streetcar is a very affordable way to get from point A to point B while also giving you a city tour. It stops at a variety of attractions along the way and it only costs $1.25. Super cheap sightseeing!

photo credit

Love your booze? Then take a tour of the Old New Orleans Rum Distillery. This is probably a much safer way to sample some cocktails than getting wasted on the streets with everyone else. For a whopping $10, you can tour the distillery, get free transportation there, a free rum cocktail and a tasting of all four of their rum products at the end.

photo credit

If that was just too much fun for words, make you way to the Museum of the American Cocktail. Explore their collection of books, rare spirits, glasses, shakers, photos, gadgets and so much more to see how cocktails have evolved over the years. This, too, is just $10 per person. Unfortunately, all you get at the end is a trip to the gift shop, but then you can buy some fun books on vintage cocktails and go home and recreate them for friends in a funky retro party.

photo credit

These are just some of the ways you can fill your time on your visit to the Big Easy that doesn’t involve crowds of people or emptying out your wallet. Check out my Facebook page for airfare deals that are popping up all over the place in order to make your trip “cheaper” and Laissez les bons temps rouler.

Have you been to New Orleans? What are your budget tips for the city?

Avoid These Scams and Secure Your Belongings

I have traveled all over and have never been caught up in a scam where I was robbed of belongings or money. Just because I've been lucky doesn't mean that scams don't exist. I suspect because I often travel in the off-season, the thieves may just not be as active as they are in summer season when there are tons of tourists to get lost in an take advantage of. There are new scams that crop up all the time and below are the 40 most common ones you should look out for whether you're vacationing in the summer or any other time of the year. it's important to be safe and know when something is sketchy so you can get out of there.

Have you ever been scammed while on vacation?

Eat Like a Local in the Turks & Caicos

Man, I love to eat new foods. In fact, I find that food is on the top of my travel list and one of the first things I plan. Many times, I plan a whole day around where I want to eat. Good meals are essential to me and when I have a chance to travel and taste local favorites, then I’m all over it. Seafood can be really interesting, because fish can be light and flaky or dense and meaty.

photo credit

You can have shellfish one place that tastes completely different from the same shellfish somewhere else. Providenciales (or Provo) in the Turks & Caicos is no different. Food can have Caribbean, soul or Creole flair. American Southern cuisine bloomed from the islands. If you find yourself headed to this island paradise, here are some dishes you should definitely try.

photo credit

Conch

Conch are always an affordable dish, because of their abundance around the island.

• Conch Fritters – I was all over these when I visited the Bahamas and I highly recommend them if you’re headed to Provo. Mostly made from the local Queen conch (pronounced “conk”) these are like a hushpuppy, but served with a spicy creole sauce.
• Conch Salad – Basically, this is a ceviche, or a raw fish dish with veggies and “cooked” with some sort of citrus, usually lemon or lime. It’s really refreshing, especially on a hot day. It’s also very light, so if you’re not that hungry, you can eat it as a main dish. It goes great with a fruity cocktail.
• Conch Chowder – If a hot soup seems like a good idea, you’re going to want to chow down on a bowl of this thick and creamy soup full of conch pieces. 
• Cracked Conch – Oh yes, another dish made with this large mollusk. It’s the island’s answer to chicken fingers. Conch strips deep fried for both a crunchy and juicy dish.

photo credit

Grouper

These fish are amazing. They can grow larger than some sharks and can create so much suction that they can swallow something the size of a human quite easily (not that they are trying to). Most only grow to about a foot long, and they make tasty, tasty dishes. Their prevalence around the islands make them a common fish on menus.

photo credit

Jerk Chicken

Jamaica is a big influence in the Turks & Caicos and it’s no surprise that their signature dish has made its way to the islands. Made with a spicy and earthy dry rub and grilled, this is one of the most flavorful ways to eat chicken.

photo credit

Johnny Cake

Another local favorite, this is a sweet pan bread that looks like cornbread. It’s perfect for soaking up all those lovely sauces from your main dish.

photo credit

Mahi Mahi

I feel like mahi mahi is the chicken of the fish family, because it’s so meaty. It can be cooked in a million different ways and taste completely different. They are lovely with a fruit salsa.

photo credit

Plantains

Oh wow! They make look like bananas, but plantains are so much more. They are more substantial and provide a bit of hearty sweetness to a dish. Usually as a side to a meal that goes with rice and peas (or beans). It can pull a whole meal together.ut plantains are so much more. They are more substantial and provide a bit of hearty sweetnes

photo credit

Rum Punch

If a good cocktail gets you going, this island favorite is a must-try. It evokes the feel of the islands with rum, pineapple and orange juice and coconut flavor. It’s a little deceiving, so you may want to order one and then wait a bit before ordering another cocktail. It’s not called a rum punch for nothing.

photo credit

Snapper

I love snapper. Red snapper is one of my favorite cuts for sushi, but it’s fabulous grilled, steamed, poached or however else people want to make it. In Provo, you’ll often be served a whole snapper that’s been steamed in a Creole sauce with a side of peas or rice (or peas and hominy).

photo credit

Thursday Night Fish Fry

Every Thursday from 5:30p to 9:30p at the Bight (Children's) Park, over a dozen local food vendors, entertainers and cultural acts come together for Island Fish Fry. This is a great way to try some delicious fresh-caught fish and interact with the locals too.

Of course, there are so many other fabulous foods and beverages in Provo that you’ll come across, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as fantastic as these that I listed. You can easily try a bit of everything if you’re visiting for more than a few days.

Spend more on dining if you want when you find a great deal on lodging through Hipmunk. Easily find a place to stay that fits your budget and then get on with planning the rest of your trip.

Disclaimer: This post was inspired by my partnership with Hipmunk - a great site to find low hotel rates wherever you travel. #hipmunkcitylove