Self-driving Louisiana gives your clients the freedom to enjoy over 100,000 kilometres of coastline, 21 state parks, and the Pelican State’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture – all at their own pace. Viva Holidays have new curated packages to make exploring the Pelican State a breeze.
Whether your clients want a standalone Louisiana adventure or to include it on their USA road trip, Viva Holidays, in partnership with Brand USA and Explore Louisiana, have taken care of the challenge of capturing the best of the state.
Whether they want to speed through a swamp on an airboat (or kayak, canoe or paddle!), spot rare birds along the Mississippi Flyway, hike or bike miles of scenic trails, or take in sunset from a lake cabin or campsite, there’s a self-drive package to suit.
8 reasons to love Louisiana
Here are eight reasons your clients will love the Pelican State.
- 1. Louisiana’s landscapes are epic for outdoor recreation, from lush wetlands to verdant forests, rolling hills, and the Atchafalaya Basin.
- 2. There are 19 scenic byways to explore, revealing the state’s differing culture, history, and natural beauty.
- 3. Historic homes, preserved riverfront towns, and walkable cultural districts bring Louisiana’s past to life.
- 4. Find a local event or lively festival during your clients’ travel dates; each reveals the best of the state’s microcosm.
- 5. Get ‘up close and personal’ with Louisiana’s native wildlife – from gators to pelicans and nutria – on swamp tours.
- 6. Louisiana’s unique ecological makeup means visitors can enjoy saltwater fishing in the Gulf, inland marsh water fishing, or casting a line in freshwater lakes.
- 7. Birdwatchers love the 470 avian species spotted in spring and fall, and the millions of migratory birds that traverse the state along the Mississippi Flyway.
- 8. Hop on the saddle to discover thousands of miles of biking trails across Louisiana, from scenic bike lanes to off-roading nature reserves.
Explore Louisiana with Viva Holidays
Discover ready-to-book packages to impress your clients.
Jazzy Jambalaya Adventure Self-Drive
This exciting 9-day adventure tours the rich culture, music and flavours of the American South.
Trip highlights include New Orleans’ famous cuisine and music and the warm hospitality in perfectly preserved Natchez. There are also charming river towns, historic plantations, scenic bayous, and Civil War landmarks to explore.
This package includes:
- 2-night stays at Holiday Inn New Orleans Downtown Superdome and Best Western Natchitoches Inn
- 1-night stays at Tru by Hilton Baton Rouge Citiplace, Hampton Inn & Suites Natchez, Holiday Inn Vicksburg, and a one-night return to Holiday Inn New Orleans Downtown Superdome
- Digital documentation and app access with maps, driving instructions, and suggested touring stops
- 10-day Avis Group C car hire in a Toyota Corolla (or similar)
From $2,145 per person twin share. All accommodation is 3-star in standard rooms. Find out more here.
Cajun Creole Louisiana Trail Self-Drive
Follow the rhythm of the South on this 8-day self-drive package from New Orleans to Houston, touring Louisiana’s vibrant cities, scenic bayous, and coastal landscapes.
From the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the heart of Cajun Country, highlights include the legendary French Quarter, the Louisiana River Parishes, and the wildlife and coastal treasures along the Creole Nature Trail and Gulf Coast drives.
This package includes:
- 2-night stays at Holiday Inn New Orleans Downtown Superdome and Best Western Plus Prien Lake Inn & Suites
- 1-night stays at Days Inn by Wyndham LaPlace New Orleans, Tru by Hilton Baton Rouge Citiplace, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
- Digital documentation and app access with maps, driving instructions, and suggested touring stops
- 9-day Avis Group C car hire in a Toyota Corolla (or similar)
From $1,559 per person twin share. All accommodation is 3-star in standard rooms. Learn more here.
Music & History of the South Self-Drive
On a 13-day journey from New Orleans through Mississippi and Alabama, vibrant cities, rich musical heritage, and significant civil rights history awaits.
Highlights include live music on Bourbon Street, entertainment on Mobile’s Dauphin Street, and feeling the sugar-white sand between your toes (and all that yummy seafood) along the Gulf of Mexico.
This package includes:
- 2-night stays at Holiday Inn New Orleans Downtown Superdome, Homewood Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown near UAB, Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery – Downtown, Hampton Inn Gulf Shores, and Tru by Hilton Mobile
- 1-night stays at Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson Downtown-Coliseum and Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome
- 14-day Avis Group C car hire in a Toyota Corolla (or similar)
From $2,999 per person twin share. All accommodation is 3-star in standard rooms. Discover more here.
Rhythms of the South Escorted Tour
The tastes and rhythms of the South are on offer on this 8-day escorted adventure.
Highlights include a full-day New Orleans tour, a half-day Nashville walking tour, a visit to the Natchez Trace Parkway, and a plantation home visit. The music of Memphis rounds out the journey.
This package includes:
- 2-night stays at the 4-star Hilton New Orleans Riverside and 3-star Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel
- 1-night stays at the 4-star Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, BW Signature Collection in Natchez, 3.5-star Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown, and 3-star Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Airport North
- Services of an ATI tour director
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
From $2,379 per person twin share. Find out more.
Learn more
For more inspiration and curated packages, head to Viva Holidays’ dedicated ‘Louisiana’s Year of Outdoors’ campaign page.
Find marketing assets and sales support on Viva Holidays’ dedicated agent platform. To book, head to the online reservation system, Mango.
This article is brought to you by Viva Holidays, Brand USA, and Explore Louisiana.
