Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re taking you to New Orleans, Louisiana. Get ready to learn more about where rhythm, resilience, and rich flavors collide.

🌍️ What’s Going on In the Travel World?

• This Is the Most Outdated Piece of Italy Travel Advice, According to an Longtime Resident - they talk about generosity, Bob will love this

• Little-known 'secondhand travel' trick helps tourists score luxury vacations for less - This is huge! Might have to travel on short notice though…

• Why Britain’s royal train is coming to the end of the line after 180 years of service - end of a long era

• Fed-up Italian farmers set up mountain turnstiles to charge access to Instagram hot spots - it will now cost you to visit some inspiring places

• World's Funniest Flight Attendant Leaves Passengers In Hysterics - Thoughts on the flight attendant comedy routine?

A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

There’s no place like New Orleans.

It’s a city that’s been through a lot, from hurricanes like Katrina to decades of change - but somehow, it keeps its spirit stronger than ever. You feel it in the music, the food, the streets, and the people.

New Orleans doesn’t just survive…it celebrates.

New Orleans didn’t just rebuild after hurricane Katrina. It found new strength in its community and culture. The jazz still plays, second line parades still roll through the streets, and music pours out of every corner bar and café.

The city sings louder than ever.

History, Style, and Southern Vibes

We love New Orleans for so many reasons. The French Quarter is the first thing we think of. It’s where you’ll see iconic balconies, narrow streets, live music, and one-of-a-kind charm.

It’s the heart of the city and the perfect place to wander.

Check out Preservation Hall for an intimate venue where some of the best jazz music in the world happens nightly.

The Garden District is where you can stroll and see picture-perfect homes, big porches, and tree-lined streets.

This part of the city is a quiet, dreamy side that feels like a movie set.

Fun fact: former New Orleans Saints player, Archie Manning lived here. You can see the plaque marking his former home. 

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is one of the most powerful and immersive museums in the country. It brings the history of World War II to life through personal stories, interactive exhibits, and massive displays - including aircraft, tanks, and recreated environments.

It's a moving, world-class experience that sticks with you long after your visit regardless of your historical interest.

New Orleans Cemeteries are something else you have to see.

The city’s unique above-ground tombs are beautiful, historic, and surprisingly peaceful. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a favorite.

Louisiana is also the best place to go for some Bayou Adventures.

Take a break from the city and hop on an airboat through the Louisiana swamps. Expect gators, Spanish moss, and unforgettable views.

Have you ever had an alligator climb up onto your boat?

You just might if you book an airboat tour with New Orleans Airboat Tours, LLC.

How to Get to New Orleans:

Getting to New Orleans is easy, whether you're flying or driving.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is just about 15 miles from downtown and serves most major airlines, with plenty of direct flights from across the U.S.

If you’re hitting the road, New Orleans is accessible via Interstates 10, 55, and 59, making it a great stop on a southern road trip.

Once you're in the city, you won't need a car - most neighborhoods are walkable, and the streetcar is a fun way to get around.

Where to Stay:

Here are some places we recommend staying:

Hilton New Orleans Riverside - located on the Mississippi River and in a great location

Place d’Armes Hotel - located in the heart of the French Quarter

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel - excellent views of the city from here

One11 Hotel - this is an old sugar cane mill that has been restored into a hotel

🍤What to Eat:

New Orleans takes food seriously. It’s bold, flavorful, messy in the best way—and worth every bite. Here some delicious items you need to try:

• Beignets: Hot, sugary pillows of fried dough (don’t wear black). Cafe du Monde is an iconic place to get them.

  

  An order of beignets from Cafe du Monde

• Snowballs: These are not your average snow cones. They are served with ice cream, lots of flavor, and condensed milk on top…making this the perfect way to cool off from the NOLA heat.

• Jambalaya: Spicy rice loaded with sausage, chicken, or seafood.

• Po’boys: Stuffed sandwiches on French bread- get one fried shrimp or roast beef style.

• Seafood Boil: A hands-on feast of crawfish, crab, corn, and spice. This is best served with a group of friends. Grab some napkins and a bib…you’ll need them.

  

  A typical seafood boil

What to Pack:

Light, breathable clothes (yes, it’s humid), comfy walking shoes, a small umbrella, and stretchy pants—you’ll eat a lot.

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in New Orleans. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

• New Orleans Food Walking Tour - we’re hungry just thinking about this

• Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise - a great way to spend the evening

• New Orleans Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus - see what you want at your own pace

• New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class - we did this recently and loved it

• New Orleans Airboat Tours - keep your arms and legs inside the boat, please

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob