Let the unique charm of New Orleans wash over you. The city has so much to offer— Creole and Cajun cuisine, jazz, beautiful architecture, parades, and famous southern hospitality. It is the city of Mardi Gras, and a place where most everyone goes to celebrate.

To make the most of your time in New Orleans, make sure you're equipped to handle any unexpected medical issues or travel mishaps that may come your way. Get visitors insurance or travel insurance, so you can enjoy your New Orleans vacation with additional peace of mind.

New Orleans Most Popular Places for Travel

French Quarter

The French Quarter is the soul of New Orleans, with breathtaking architecture and a rich history. It is the site of the original colony of New Orleans established by the French in the early 1700s (the street names are still listed in French).

Do not miss checking out Bourbon Street. It is the party hub of the neighborhood, brimming with iconic bars, fortunetellers, and performers. You must visit the beautiful central landmark that is St. Louis Cathedral. It was built in the early 1700s and is an architectural wonder.

Frenchmen Street

Though usually less crowded and not as focused on tourism as the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street can show you the real New Orleans. It is a hub of art galleries, live music, bars, restaurants and nightlife. Here you'll find wonderful food and drinks, and some of the city's best live music.

Cities of the Dead

One of the most unique experiences New Orleans has to offer is cemetery tours. You can walk amidst rustic French and Spanish architecture, crumbled tombs, decaying grounds, and an eerily beautiful aesthetic. If you are a lover of all things supernatural, do not miss the Ghost Tours.

New Orleans Museum of Art

NOMA opened in 1911 with only nine pieces. It now has over 40,000 art pieces, ranging from European works from the 16th to 20th centuries, and early Asian pieces. NOMA's sculpture garden is sure to make you gasp in awe.

The National World War II Museum

History buff or not, you must visit this museum. It is a product of Stephen Ambrose's (bestselling author of, "Saving Private Ryan") vision. It houses artifacts of war, educational documentaries, and oral recitations of the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the 1940s. If you are traveling with your children, do not miss this educational experience.

Key Guidelines for Travelers in New Orleans

When to visit?

The ideal time to visit is from February to May. The weather is pleasant and you will be there in time for many festivals and events.

Don't limit yourself to the French Quarter

Staying near Bourbon Street may seem like a great idea, but the hotels can be expensive, and it's tough to get away from the noise of revelers even late at night. For better deals on hotels and quieter accommodations, check out the Central Business District and the Warehouse District.

Go car-free

Though renting a car can seem like a smart option, parking in popular entertainment areas of New Orleans can be difficult at best. New Orleans is a fantastic city for walking, and if you need to utilize a car, just use an Uber or Lyft.

What to eat?

New Orleans is famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine. You're in for a culinary experience with authentic gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, beignets, and red beans and rice. However, remember to expand your dining beyond the French Quarter. There are wonderful restaurants and diners spread throughout the city.

Don't Miss the Jazz Fest

The annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place at the Fairgrounds Race Course. This 50-year-old musical tradition has hosted the likes of the Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John, Katy Perry, and many other artists.

Don't take the voodoo shops seriously

You'll find souvenir shops all over New Orleans selling things like graveyard dust, voodoo dolls, incense, chicken feet and other curiosities. Remember that these are just fun trinkets that shouldn't be taken too seriously.

There's fun for the whole family

It's easy to think of New Orleans simply as a party town centered around Bourbon Street, but this is not the case. Take your family to the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge to explore the diverse ecosystem. There are also gardens, zoos, aquariums, historic landmarks, museums and much more to enjoy.

Visitors Insurance for Travelers in New Orleans - FAQs

Health insurance is considered essential to access medical care in the US due to the high cost of treatment. Most people simply don't have it in their budget to pay for a hospital visit or other medical services out of their own pocket. When visiting the US, don't assume that your domestic health insurance will be sufficient. There's a good chance it will not be accepted, and if it is, it will likely not provide sufficient coverage. If you require medical attention during your New Orleans trip, it's extremely important to have coverage with visitors insurance.

Why buy visitors insurance before traveling to New Orleans?

The easygoing nature of New Orleans can lead many tourists to let their guards down and overindulge, resulting in increased risks for illnesses and injuries. Being admitted to the hospital for just a short time can cost well over $1,000, and far more if you require more intensive treatment. Since getting required medical attention is a necessity during an emergency, one simple mishap can turn into a financial nightmare if you don't have proper insurance coverage. This is why it's essential for you to get visitors insurance to protect your bank account.

What should I look for in my New Orleans visitors insurance?

• PPO network participation
• Coverage for the acute onset of preexisting conditions, if applicable
• The option to extend coverage should your stay run longer
• The ability to cancel coverage if your situation should change
• If traveling to the US on a J visa as an exchange visitor, be sure to get compliant insurance

Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in New Orleans - FAQs

Even well-planned trips need to be canceled sometimes. It can be disappointing, but it's often outside of our control. Don't let the financial burden of an unexpected cancellation add to your travel stress. Get trip cancellation insurance so you have the opportunity to be reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel costs.

Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my New Orleans travel?

If you're traveling to New Orleans during the peak season, there's a good chance you're planning to attend some events, and you usually need to buy tickets for them in advance. Other prepaid expenses will almost always include things like airfare and hotels. If you were unable to go on your trip due to an illness, family emergency, global health concerns, etc., what would happen to the money you've already invested?

A lot of the time, prepaid travel expenses are nonrefundable. Those that can be refunded will often charge significant penalties for cancellation. With trip cancellation insurance, you can have a way to be reimbursed for these expenses. It allows you to plan your trip with confidence; knowing that you have coverage in case your travel plans aren't able to proceed as you'd hoped.

What should I look for in my New Orleans trip cancellation insurance?

The specific coverage offered by your travel insurance will depend on the plan you choose. Most plans will offer coverage for trip cancellation, but their coverage can go beyond that, with benefits such as:

• Coverage for lost luggage
• Flight delay coverage
• Flight insurance
• Emergency cash transfer, rental car coverage, and other travel benefits
• The option to cancel for any reason with some plans

Each available travel insurance plan will have a policy document that explains its coverage in detail. It is suggested that you read through this information carefully, and choose a plan that best fits your coverage needs and budget.

Before You Travel to New Orleans - Do This

To get the most out of your trip, we advise you to consider these suggestions.

• Do not forget to carry sunscreen. It is important to protect your skin against sun damage.
• Dress for the weather. New Orleans is warm in the summer, but it's humid all year long. Wear synthetic fabrics that wick perspiration instead of cotton.
• Stay hydrated. The warm weather and ample opportunities to let loose make it doubly important that you drink plenty of water.
• Look for the best visitors insurance or travel insurance to meet your requirements.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.