After you've done your research and decided that you'll be spending your vacation time in Louisiana, you've only just begun the decision-making process. It may sound easy to just get up and go, but to make your trip more relaxed and enjoyable, there are some decisions you should make before heading out to ensure you love your vacation. Some of the decisions you'll need to make before embarking on your trip are where exactly to go, how to get there, where you'll stay, and what you'll do.
Where to Go
Louisiana covers 51,843 square miles, 43,566 of which is land. The remaining 8,277 square miles are water, made up of five rivers, eight lakes, and hundreds of miles of swamplands. The state can be split into five regions: Greater New Orleans, Cajun Country, Plantation Country, Crossroads, and Sportsman's Paradise.
The Greater New Orleans area is in the southeast corner of Louisiana, bordering Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. Here lies the city of New Orleans, one of the world's most talked-about cities. This is the home of Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, and jazz music. The Greater New Orleans area also supports a historic, flourishing art community.
Cajun Country lies along the Gulf Coast and extends up into south central Louisiana. The region took its name from the people who developed the area along the bayous. These are also the people who invented gumbo and zydeco music. In this region, you'll find Cajun food that cannot be replicated.
Plantation Country is in the southeastern section of Louisiana, just north of New Orleans. This is the place where pre-Civil War Southern history comes to life. Majestic plantations from the era still stand throughout Plantation Country, offering tours and even overnight stays.
In the center of Louisiana, Crossroads is the home of the 800,000 acre Kisatchie National Forest, where visitors can see unspoiled nature at its finest. Crossroads is a great place for nature lovers to come birdwatch, canoe, hike, and just enjoy time spent outdoors in beautiful surroundings.
Then there's Sportsman's Paradise. Sportsman's Paradise was so named because it's just that. Sparkling rivers and esoteric bayous, plus rolling hills and plenty of wildlife, make this a great place for outdoorsy types to camp, hike, fish, swim, and nature watch. But you don't have to rough it if you don't want to. Plenty of high class hotels and restaurants, as well as clubs and a casino, cater to those with more metropolitan tastes.
Where To Stay
You'll find plenty of options for lodgings in Louisiana. When choosing hotel or resort accommodations, consider your main vacation priorities. If you plan to spend a lot of time fishing or boating, you may want to book your stay at a lake front resort. Those who love culture and sightseeing may want to stay in the heart of the city to be near its main attractions and nightlife. To get a feel for Louisiana life in days gone by, check into one of the state's many historic plantations or bed and breakfasts.
Traveling with others? Make sure you take their preferences into account when deciding where to stay and what to do. Some of your companions may thrive on exciting nightlife, while others may seek a quiet, relaxing getaway. Try to find a happy medium so that everyone can enjoy their stay in Louisiana. Kid-friendly accommodations and activities help make family vacations fun for the whole group.
What To Do
No matter which area of Louisiana you decide to stay in, there's sure to be plenty you want to do. Take some time to read up on things like attractions, festivals, museums, and restaurants. Researching these in advance will help you rule out any place you definitely don't want to go, thus saving you precious time. Make sure to remain flexible, especially if traveling with others, because you may see something interesting that you hadn't planned on and just have to make a stop.
With its combination of busy cities, small Southern towns, and plenty of outdoor activities, Louisiana has something for everyone, so you've already made one great decision by deciding to travel there. Taking some time out to do a bit of research and planning will only ensure all your other decisions regarding your trip to Louisiana will be equally as wonderful.
