Is New Orleans on your travel wish list, but you don’t know where to start? Viva Holidays are the experts at creating compelling itineraries that impress; they’ve done it again with a range of New Orleans packages. Plus, we got insider tips from Alysha Hughes, Viva’s North American Product Development Manager.
Alysha Hughes is an expert on what to see, do, and eat (yum, beignets) in New Orleans – she’s been selling it for close to 15 years! Discover her NOLA highlights and recommendations.
What’s your favourite thing about selling New Orleans?
“The destination experience! New Orleans is all about culture, vibrant live music, and amazing cuisine, from spicy seafood gumbo to the delicious sweet-yet-light beignets.
“You could spend days exploring this eclectic city. Luckily, Viva offers a range of city tours and beyond to ensure you experience the must-see sights.”
Tell us about your New Orleans travels
“My partner and I loved staying at the Maison Dupuy in the French Quarters on my last trip. Only two blocks from Bourbon Street, it was close to the hustle and bustle without any late-night noise in your room. The authentic décor and grand historic features impressed, as did its affordability.
“We enjoyed sightseeing with New Orleans Gray Line’s comprehensive offerings and knowledgeable guides.
“The Ghosts and Spirits tour was perfect, given we were in “America’s most haunted city”! The guide brought the ghost stories and haunted sites to life, and the tour is a great way to get your bearings.
“We loved the Plantation and Swamp tour, too. We visited Destrehan, the lower Mississippi Valley’s oldest documented French-Colonial style plantation. Picturing life here in the 1800s was eye-opening and emotional.
“The swamp alligators and cheeky raccoons were a highlight, something I’d love to do again.”
Did you do any self-exploration?
“We gave ourselves a day to wander. We took the historic St. Charles Streetcar from Canal Street to the Garden District, known for its Grand Mansions.
“We stumbled across the rustic Confederate Memorial Hall Museum with exhibitions from the Civil War. And, of course, we spent plenty of time soaking in the French Quarter’s vibrant atmosphere.”
Can you share any New Orleans insider tips?
“The Gray Line Tours Lighthouse Ticket Office is conveniently next to Café Beignet. I strongly suggest arriving earlier than necessary to grab a coffee and delicious beignet!
“My favourite afternoon stop is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar. Opened in 1722, it’s the US’s oldest bar, serving the best hurricane cocktail.”
Top 8 things to do in New Orleans
If you only associate New Orleans with Bourbon Street, you’re missing out! There’s so much to see and do, including:
- Hear live music: As the birthplace of jazz, with live music on every French Quarter cobblestone corner, plus clubs and venues on Frenchmen Street, there’s a dull moment in NOLA.
- Celebrate the city’s cuisine & cocktail culture: Across New Orleans, you’ll dine (and drink) like royalty. There’s traditional food, fusion feats, James Beard award-winning chefs, and cocktails like no other.
- Get outdoors: From bayous to swamps and beyond New Orleans offers natural wonders that wow. Wander on foot to discover the city’s parks, historic courtyards, and gorgeous architecture.
- Year-round festivals & events: You’ve heard of Mardi Gras, but did you know festivals and events happen nearly every weekend? It’s oh-so-fun all year round!
- Award-winning attractions: NOLA does attractions as well as it does good times. The National WWII Museum, Vue Orleans, Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans Museum of Art and more have the awards to prove it!
- Rich history: Discover New Orleans’ engaging traditions, stories, and culture on tour and at its historical museums.
- Neighbourhoods: Beyond the French Quarter, explore the city’s other vibrant neighbourhoods, including the Garden District, Mid-City, and the Warehouse/Arts District.
- Shopping: Royal Street’s antique shops are a vibe, and you’ll love Magazine Street’s local boutiques and art studios. The art markets are fab for souvenirs, too!
Book your New Orleans packages
Inspired to go to New Orleans? Check out handy Viva Holidays’ packages.
Iconic New Orleans
This 5-day adventure starts in the heart of the French Quarter at the Hyatt Centric, with two must-do tours included.
Iconic New Orleans includes:
- 4 nights at the 4-star Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans in a Standard King Room~
- 6-hour Plantation & Swamp tour
- 2-hour Steamboat Natchez Jazz dinner cruise
- From $795 per person twin share
- Find out more
Jazzy Jambalaya
This package is the ultimate self-drive adventure to see the region’s highlights at your own pace. From New Orlean’s live music and food scene to a slice of Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military and the famous southern hospitality at Natchez.
Get a feel for Southern Louisiana as you tour the famous bayous and marshes and add a little spice on a visit to Avery Island, home to Tabasco Sauce.
This Viva Holiday package includes:
- 8 nights in 3-star hotel accommodation across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, Natchitoches, and Lafayette
- Digital documentation and app access with maps, driving instructions, and suggested stops
- 9-day Alamo car hire+ (Group C – Toyota Corolla or similar)
- From $2,295 per person twin share
- Find out more
Agents, read this
Ready to book your clients on an exciting New Orleans journey with Viva Holidays? Find a range of exclusive packages on Mango, Viva Holidays’ online reservation system.
This article is brought to you by Viva Holidays, New Orleans Tourism and Visit The USA.
