New Orleans Travel Tips - Search for Cheap Airline Tickets to New Orleans

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New Orleans has always been attractive to tourists. The jazz infused, gumbo-flavored good times have been drawing visitors from across the world for years. New Orleans institutions like Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras are known throughout the world, even by people who have never set foot in the Big Easy.

After Hurricane Katrina flooded much of the city, the landscape of New Orleans changed, but the trademark vibe remained. After a period of rebuilding, tourists are once again beginning to consider the Big Easy. Here are some tips for your New Orleans vacation.

Tourism has long been an important part of the local economy. Hurricane Katrina was a major blow and the number of visitors has remained quite low, even though most tourist attractions are functioning as they did before the storm. To draw tourists, hotels often offer cheaper rates, package deals and extra services such as tour guides and concierge service.

Many businesses accepted nothing but cash during the early days of the post-Katrina recovery. Though restaurants and shops in major tourist areas like the French Quarter accept credit cards and checks, many businesses continue to prefer cash. There are ATMs throughout the city.

If your itinerary is focused on tourist areas like the French Quarter, a car is not necessary. In fact, because parking is scarce, it is much better to rely on foot-power and taxis (the safest nighttime option). For those who want to explore off-the-beaten-path, a car is necessary.

Devastation from Katrina can still be seen in many outlying neighborhoods. It is best to check ahead to make sure that attractions, restaurants or other venues on your itinerary are actually open.

Jazz is part of the personality of New Orleans. French Quarter and Uptown clubs frequently have local, regional and national acts on stage, but to get a true taste of the local jazz and blues scene, it is best to get away from the tourist areas. WWOZ, 90.7 F.M, is a community radio station that keeps listeners abreast of the latest concert and performance information.

Bourbon Street is a haven for pickpockets and hustlers. While most of their crimes are of the non-violent variety, tourists are their main targets. Common sense precautions like keeping your wallet in your front pocket and a tight hold of your camera will keep you from any unpleasant experiences.