2) New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras, which equals all-night parties, street parades, and hordes of people. However, if you avoid this celebration and plan a trip to NOLA mid-summer, you can save a bundle on airfare and accommodations. The Big Easy is also easy on the wallet; the scrumptious Creole cuisine won’t set you back too far. Casual dining joints offer sandwiches for under $10. Full meals hover between $10-$15. Hotels outside the pricey French Quarter are a budget-saver, but return later for a free walk around this historically charming area. Live music and Bourbon Street are NOLA’s claims to fame, however Frenchmen Street is the place for a more authentic experience. Here you’ll find four blocks of live music, bars, night clubs, and restaurants – without the Bourbon Street prices. Check out the late-night Art Market on Frenchman Street, as well!
