New Orleans

New Orleans is known for its European-style architecture, delectable Creole cuisine, and overall good vibes. And music serves as its backbone: jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll, and Zydeco tunes ooze from every city crevice. For many, however, the main reason to visit is Mardi Gras, an extravagant party with Carnival elements such as masks, music, floats, and merriment. Even if you don't make it to Mardi Gras, there's always a party going on in New Orleans, with revelers pouring out of Bourbon Street clubs until the early hours of the morning and a festival of some kind almost every weekend.

Despite previous environmental disasters, such as the BP oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Isaac, New Orleans thrives. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to restore the distinct districts. Today, Crescent City appears to be almost brand new. Begin your visit with a walking tour of the French Quarter, which is rich in colonial history and ghost stories. From here, you can visit the major architectural sites before settling in for a hearty plate of jambalaya and a wild night out.