Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Let the good times roll! New Orleans here I come!! It’s been awhile since I’ve attended a Mardi Gras. I used to go a lot in college since my school was located in New Orleans. But it’s different experience when you take a hiatus from your yearly visits after graduating. To see this city transform and grow just deepens my love and admiration for my second home.

New Orleans will always hold a special place in my heart. It seems like its own little world. This place is full of culture and history that a visit will only give you a taste of what the city truly has to offer. Who can turn down a place with its own cuisine, where you can roam the streets with daiquiris and no one cares, and dance in the street as these magical horns sing sweet tunes. Can’t help but “catch that beat!”

Oh! And let’s not forget the parades!! Standing on the sidewalk… awaiting the next float so I can fiercely wave my hands in hopes of catching the biggest or fanciest bead and other trinkets. No matter your age you will find a way to enjoy yourself. You can’t help BUT love New Orleans!

Lesson: Group(ie) Love

For this trip, I decided to go to Mardi Gras with some friends. I thought it would be different to experience the city through the eyes of a tourist. I know, I know, you’re thinking, but you’re not even from there. Which is true, but I lived there long enough that I feel like a native. New Orleans is like my second home! Before I go off on a tangent, let’s get back to my friends.

So, 5 females on a trip… pause for a minute because I believe we all know where this is going, but let me add this. 5 female with strong personalities all going on a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. That there… slightly a laughing moment. We had a good time; just things were learned from traveling in a group.

Group travel has its highs and lows. I personally learned 3 things from this experience.

1. Everyone is NOT a team player

In group travel, consideration of others is rated pretty high on the list. The sucky part is everyone doesn’t think that way. It's like playing a sport. Everyone has to work together to win the game and our case, have a safe fun time. While exploring or doing an activity, it’s not safe to leave the group or venture out without notification, especially if one was on foreign land. That’s how people get left or lost.

2. A plan or itinerary is very helpful

When traveling in a group, having a plan or itinerary becomes helpful with maximizing time. Without it, we spent more time waiting for friends to arrive or trying to figure out what exactly we wanted to do. Knowing the parades we wanted to attend and times would’ve helped us figure what side of town we should be on and when to beat the crowds. Overall, we were more so exhausted from making the decision of the plans than actually enjoying them.

3. Create your own fun

Sometimes you have to venture out and create your own fun. There’s nothing wrong with doing everything in a group, but sometimes they don’t want to do everything you’d like to do. Splitting up helps because you’re not alone and likeminded people are with you to enjoy whatever activity you hope to enjoy. Traveling isn’t cheap so we must take advantage of every opportunity you have.

Until we meet again New Orleans, XOXO