Why visit New Orleans this summer? It’s hot. It’s not Mardi Gras time. There’s not much to do. Well you’re wrong (well not about it being hot, but it’s hot almost anywhere you go in the summer).

Here’s why you should visit New Orleans this summer:
1. The rates will never be lower than they are during the summer. Rates as low as $60 for some great French Quarter hotels. (see note below)
2. It won’t be crowded and you will be able to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant.
3. Check out these great festivals:4. You can walk the streets of the French Quarter with the beverage of your choice (paper or plastic only) to help you stay cool.



Travel Tip
To get the lowest rates this summer be as flexible as possible with your travel dates and stay away from the weekends. Go to the hotels website for the lowest rates. Don’t expect to get the lowest rates during any of the events listed above.

Who is that mapped man?  It's the Louisiana Travelin' Man.

Welcome to the first of many blogs on the greatest place to visit for a lifetime of memories. Louisiana. I’m the Louisiana Travelin’ Man and if you come back often you will become so familiar with Louisiana Travel opportunities, including Louisiana attractions, Louisiana vacations, Louisiana lodging, Louisiana music and my favorite, Louisiana food.

In fact I will be searching for a Louisiana staple on just about any restaurant’s menu: Louisiana Gumbo.

There are no two gumbo’s alike. Whether it’s Seafood Gumbo, Okra Gumbo, Duck, Chicken, Andouille, or a Vegetarian Gumbo (this will not be my favorite), I will search high and low, to uncover the best Gumbo Pots in Louisiana.

If you have any favorites, please let me know. I want my list to grow so big (but not my waistline) that it will take me years to go through. I know I’m going to get comments like “my momma has the best gumbo in Louisiana.” Well, unless we can go to your momma’s house for gumbo, that won’t cut it.

If your mouth is watering for some gumbo, check our our recipe for Chicken & Andouille Gumbo.

In addition to searching for the best Louisiana gumbo, I will be blogging about the great cities in Louisiana, the great festivals, unique things to do, great places to stay and some surprises.

I’m going to start with the oldest city in Louisiana, Natchitoches and then dance around Louisiana to give you as much information as possible so a Louisiana vacation will be tops on your list.

You’ll also receive some travel tips and I’ll alert you to some of the best travel bargains in Louisiana.

So come along for the ride and before you know it, you’ll know how to say "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" Let the good times roll.

Who is that mapped man? It's The Louisiana Travelin' Man.