Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Louisiana, a fantastic Southern state with its own unique culture and landscape. There are lots of cool things to do in Louisiana but be prepared for these shocks before you visit Louisiana.
Louisiana Accent
The accent you’ll hear in Louisiana isn’t just an everyday “Southern accent.” It can be difficult to understand the locals sometimes, and they may have a hard time understanding you. The Louisiana accent is a result of Cajun French and English, although you won’t hear much French spoken in Louisiana.
Louisiana Cuisine
Part of Louisiana culture is the cuisine, and there are so many good things to eat and drink that are distinctly “Louisiana.” Any trip to Louisiana will inevitably revolve around food because you should try everything at least once! Whether it’s beignets at Cafe du Monde, crawfish etouffee, a shrimp po’boy, gumbo, or the famous Hurricane frozen drink, these are just a few quintessential Louisiana foods. It’s an unusual mix of French, Cajun, and Creole cuisine.
Simply Jocelyn shares tips on throwing a crawfish boil
Louisiana Pace
Things move a little bit slower in the South, especially in Louisiana. Especially when it comes to service. It’s not anything personal, they really do just live life at a slower pace. You just have to get used to it; it’s kind of like “island time” when you visit the Caribbean. Just bring your patience and try to relax and join the slow-paced life in Louisiana.
New Orleans
Most first-time visitors to Louisiana are coming to New Orleans. It’s one of our favorite cities in the US, but it can be shocking the first time you visit. The heart of New Orleans is the French Quarter, and it can be a bit like Vegas in terms of crazy tourists who come here to party. Bourbon Street can get pretty rowdy, and you’ll see a lot of drunken tourists or pickpockets and scammers out and about. It’s a fun scene if you know what you’re getting yourself into. (There’s a lot to see in New Orleans outside of the French Quarter as well!)
Best Cities to Visit in the Southern USA
More Than New Orleans
There’s more to Louisiana than just the city of New Orleans. The state is known as a Sportsmen’s Paradise. When you plan your Louisiana trip, try to spend some time outside of NOLA as well. Take a swamp tour to see the gators or step back in time on a plantation tour.
The Official Travel Louisiana Website: CLICK HERE
Elevated Roadways
When you drive through Louisiana, there are a surprising number of elevated highways and roadways. With so many low-lying areas that are at or below sea level, elevated roads are needed to avoid frequent flooding.
Louisiana Cemeteries
Similarly, you’ll see a lot of above-ground graves and mausoleums in the cemeteries of Louisiana. In fact, visiting cemeteries is one of the top things to do in Louisiana. These are built above ground for the same reasons that the roads are elevated. There’s no room to dig underground before hitting the water table, so the cemeteries here are above ground.
Louisiana Hospitality
People in Louisiana are so friendly. The South in general is known for Southern hospitality and manners, but Louisiana seems to take it one step further. These are some of the friendliest people we’ve met in all of our travels. They will gladly tell you where to go, what to eat, what to see, and on and on. If you’re not sure what to do, just ask a local.
Shocks of Visiting the Southern US
Alligators in Louisiana
Yes, there are alligators in Louisiana. Lots of them. You don’t have to go on a swamp tour to see alligators; you’re liable to just see them sunning themselves on the side of the road. They’re not tourist attractions, they are real and can be dangerous if you have kids or pets running around. You’ll also see a lot of turtles and probably some cool birds, like pelicans. Louisiana is a great destination for wildlife and bird-watching.
Louisiana Humidity
Many Americans tend to travel in the summertime when school is out. If you visit Louisiana in the summertime, nothing can prepare you for the heat and humidity. It can feel so muggy you’ll feel like you can’t breathe. Louisiana is basically built on the swamp, so be prepared! Along with swampy air comes lots of mosquitos and other bugs. The best time to visit Louisiana is in the winter when it’s cold up north.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Louisiana really has something for every type of traveler! We enjoyed the amazing food, historic tours, and natural attractions found all over Louisiana. If you can avoid the shocking heat and humidity of Louisiana, you’ll love it even more! Want more Louisiana travel tips? Check out these blog posts: