Top Luxury New Orleans Family Hotels | A Guide To Staying In New Orleans

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Sep 19, 2025

Disneyland Hong Kong is now celebrating its 20th anniversary with “The Most Magical Party of All.” The celebration has already begun on 28th June 2025, and it will continue throughout the year.  Furthermore, Disneyland Hong Kong is now getting bigger and better with new partnerships and attractions.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will decode what’s new at this wonderland located at Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island, Outlying Islands, and all the experiences and details you need to know about. What’s New At Disneyland Hong Kong? Partnership With Cathay And New Marvel Attractions Hong Kong Disneyland, or HKDL, is going to play a crucial role in boosting tourism in Hong Kong. It has now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cathay Pacific.  Thanks to this MoU, the two leading Hong Kong brands will now combine the theme park fun of HKDL with the premium flight experiences of Cathay.  Ronald Lam, the chief executive officer of Cathay, and Michael Moriarty, the managing director of HKDL, attended the event at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. Of course, Mickey Mouse was there to share the quintessential Disney Charm.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hong Kong Disneyland (@hkdisneyland) At the event, Michael Moriarty said,  “As we celebrate Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, this collaboration with Cathay strengthens our commitment to elevating Hong Kong’s global tourism appeal. We look forward to creating magical, immersive experiences that captivate today’s travelers and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a world-class destination.” Earlier, Michael Moriarty also shared his thoughts on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Hong Kong. He said,  “HKDL has become the tourism flagship for Hong Kong and the region now. We hope this milestone year will be filled with immersive entertainment, unforgettable moments, and boundless magic and surprises that only Hong Kong Disneyland can create.” Moreover, Disneyland Hong Kong on 12th September 2025 (the 20th anniversary of HKDL), has shared a “new concept art for the upcoming Spider-Man ride.”  The Rides And Attractions At Disneyland Hong Kong View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hong Kong Disneyland (@hkdisneyland) Disneyland Hong Kong offers the ultimate experience with rides and attractions, live entertainment, and miscellaneous Disney characters.  The Ant-Man and The Wasp, The Barrel of Fun, The Castle of Magical Dreams, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Garden of Wonders are some of the best rides and attractions for people of all age groups and heights.  Most of them are also inclusive, allowing the rider to remain seated in a wheelchair or ensuring a smooth transfer from the wheelchair. Best Offers On Disneyland Hong Kong Tickets And Hotels  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hong Kong Disneyland (@hkdisneyland) Currently, Disneyland Hong Kong is providing the following offers. Here are the details. 1. Park Tickets You can now log in to your MyDisney HK Account and purchase tickets to get a HK$100 discount voucher on shopping and dining. Furthermore, if you are buying a ticket of HK$100, you will get a gift of at least the same amount.  Nevertheless, here are more details about the park tickets.  Park TicketsDetailsNon-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket• Add HK$100 to the price of a regular 1-day ticket and get tickets for two consecutive visits. • General Admission: HK$7691-Day Ticket with Free 20th Anniversary SouvenEAR Mini Party Hat• Enjoy a park visit and get a “complimentary 20th Anniversary SouvenEAR Mini Party Hat.” Offer ends on 27th September, 2025. • General Admission: HK$6691-Day Tickets• General Admission: HK$669• Valid for 3 Months• Choose your type of ticket. Furthermore, the park offers free entry to children under 3 years of age.  2. Magic Access Or Annual Pass From 17th September to 30th December 2025, HKDL is offering a 20% discount on the purchase of three or more Magic Access or Annual Passes.  There are three types of Magic Access or Annual Passes. You can choose a silver, gold, or platinum pass, and the benefits will vary based on the pass you choose.  3. Priority Access And More Do you want the best experience at Disneyland Hong Kong? You can choose a Disneyland VIP Tour at HK$16668. Furthermore, you can have your Disney Princess Moments or have personalized photography services with additional charges.  Furthermore, you can buy an Early Park Entry Pass and Disney Premier Access for priority access and more benefits in the park. The Best Dining Options At Disneyland Hong Kong  There are multiple dining options inside the park with a valid park ticket. You can even take the dining fun a few notches higher by being a part of the Crystal Lotus Disney Friends Dim Sum Making Class with Lunch.  The price for being a part of the Dim Sum Making Class with Lunch is HK$1388 per person. Moreover, you can join the Mickey and Friends Afternoon Tea Party Set at HK$618.  River View Cafe, Explorer’s Club Restaurant, and Enchanted Garden Restaurant are some of the best places to dine in the park. However, to dine at these places or have a fun dining experience, you will need to carry a valid ticket to the park.  How To Reach Disneyland Hong Kong? Disneyland Hong Kong is located at a distance of around 13 km from the Hong Kong International Airport. So, you will reach the park from the airport by road in less than 15 minutes.  Here are more details on how to reach Hong Kong Disneyland.  1. Traveling To Disneyland Hong Kong By MTR Trains Trains run frequently from the Sunny Bay Station to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. You can board a train from the MTR Kowloon Station and MTR Hong Kong Station to reach HKDL in 30 minutes.  Furthermore, you will get a train from the Hong Kong International Airport MTR Station. However, you will have to transfer at Tsing Yi Station to reach HKDL.  2. Public Bus You will find many local buses from Tung Chung, Downtown Hong Kong, Lantau Link Interchange, and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port.  The bus ticket charges range between HK$3.2 and HK$23.5.  3. Guangdong Cross-Border Bus You can take the Wonderland Express from Huanggang Port. Eternal East Bus runs this service. Furthermore, you can board a cross-border bus from Guangdong Province & Macau.  Trans-island ChinaLink Bus, CTS Bus, and Eternal East Bus offer services on these routes.  4. Taxi The urban taxis or the red taxis, New Territories taxis or green taxis, and Lantau taxis or blue taxis are available to Disneyland Hong Kong.  The government transportation department operates all these taxis.  Moreover, you can choose a car or coach service, resort shuttle service or airport transfers to reach HKDL from various parts of Hong Kong.  Disneyland Hong Kong: Spreading Disney Magic With Community Impacts  Throughout its 20-year journey, Disneyland Hong Kong has been one of the top entertainment employers in the country. Furthermore, the Disney VoluntEARS have devoted around 123,000 hours to help children with ailments and disabilities.  In 2025, as a part of the 20-year celebration of the park, Disneyland will double its donation of 100,000 complimentary park tickets for community organizations serving those in need.  The Future Of Disneyland Hong Kong  The pipeline for the future growth of HLDL looks solid. Michael Moriarty, the managing director of HKDL, says in this context,  “We remain agile and committed to providing innovative experiences and exceptional service for our guests,” Moriarty said. “Those are a testament to the ideals that have guided us for the last 20 years.” An offering of Pixar-themed entertainment and new superhero attractions is going to be the biggest attraction at the park in the near future.  Disneyland Hong Kong: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Disneyland Hong Kong. 1. Is One Day Enough For Disneyland Hong Kong? Yes, one day is enough to visit Disneyland Hong Kong. However, you can add just HK$100 more to your usual one-day ticket and get access to two consecutive entries. Thus, you can enjoy all the rides and attractions of Disneyland Hong Kong at a much relaxed pace.  2. What Is The Disneyland Hong Kong Fireworks Time? The fireworks at Disneyland Hong Kong or Momentous: Party in the Night Sky usually start from 8 PM. However, the exact time of the fireworks can change on different days based on specific dates and weather conditions.  3. What Are The Disneyland Hong Kong Opening Hours? The park opens at 10:30 AM and it shuts down at 8:30 PM. However, with the Early Park Entry Pass, you are eligible to enter the park before the usual opening hours.  4. What Is The Best Time To Visit Disneyland Hong Kong? October to March is the best time to visit Disneyland Hong Kong, as the temperature is cooler and the humidity in the air is lower. Furthermore, these months usually do not have typhoons.However, if you want to avoid the crowd, you can visit HKDL in early July or September.  5. Can I Bring Food To Disneyland Hong Kong? Yes, you can bring food to Disneyland Hong Kong. However, it must not have pungent odors. Also, you cannot process, heat, or refrigerate the food. Read Also: Best Places To Travel With Kids: 8+ Places Across The Globe You Must Take Them To What Are The Best Places To Plan A Destination Proposal In The World? The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Disney Travel Agent

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

With the festive season knocking on doors, everyone is set for holidays and travel plans. The exotic places to travel offer you the best beach experience. You also get to soak in the Sun and have some fun in the tropical jungle. How about some unusual experience this time? You can always add exotic places to your wishlist according to your preferences. From the cultural heritage of Fiji to the mountains of Sardinia, you must go for something unique.  What Is An Exotic Place To Travel, BtW? An exotic place is a far-off destination from your country. These places are called exotic because they offer unusual experiences. Some bucket-list-worthy exotic destinations are Mexico, Madagascar, Fiji and Belize.  Most Unusual Exotic Places To Travel In The World: Curated For An Eclectic Experience  The exotic places to travel offer you the experience of a lifetime. Located in a distant country, these destinations are great for knowing about local culture and human history.  So, exotic tourism is beyond beautiful landscapes and outdoor pursuits.  To ensure you have the most amazing experience, I have listed the exotic places to travel worldwide. Let’s check out the entries. 1. Baja California Sur, Mexico Best Time to Visit: December to April  Baja California Sur is a place of wonderful scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. Further, you will love the following water activities here. Visit Magdalena Bay to watch whales Enjoy the best snorkeling experience in Cabo Pulmo. Don’t miss Espiritu Santo Island and its diving fun. Also, do you want to swim with sharks? La Paz is your go-to destination in Baja California Sur. However, you can also have the most serene vacation at Balandra Beach. You will love paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming here.  2. Madagascar Best Time to Visit: April to October Madagascar is home to fascinating rainforests and white-sand beaches. The beaches here are pristine. So, there is a lot to explore, and you can expect fewer crowds on the beaches. Further, the canyons and limestone karsts make it one of the most exotic places to travel in the world. However, Madagascar will win your heart with its diverse wildlife. Most of the wild animals you see here are not found anywhere else in the world.  Moreover, what can be more adventurous than swimming with sharks at the Nosy Be island?  3. Cappadocia, Turkey Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November Have you heard of “Fairy Chimneys” in Cappadocia? A UNESCO World Heritage Site, they are the rock formations in a cone shape, and you will find them in Monks Valley and Göreme. Further, Cappadocia takes you on a history walk with homes made by troglodytes or cave dwellers. These homes are from the Bronze Age. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cappadocia is the Gerome Open Air Museum. With rock formations, monasteries, and churches, Gerome tells the tales of the Byzantine Era. Moreover, Cappadocia is popular for its hot balloon rides. It feels most amazing during the sunrise and sunset.  4. Fiji, Oceania Best Time to Visit: May to October A paradise of crystal clear waters and beaches, Fiji is exotic. Further, the sugarcane plantations here speak volumes about the livelihood of the local people.  Fiji also has endless attractions, such as the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Kula Wild Adventure Park, Sobeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, and Biausevu Waterfall. However, for someone keen to learn about human lives and culture, the best experience would be visiting the Fiji Culture Village. The Kava Ceremony and the traditional dance performances are mesmerizing. Moreover, you will get to gorge on traditional Fiji cuisine cooked on earth ovens.  5. Sardinia, Italy Best Time to Visit: June to September Sardinia is one of the most exotic places in Italy. Just driving in a car or scooter along the coastal paradise is an experience in itself. Further, swimming in the Emerald Coast and Costa Smeralda is something that I will cherish for a lifetime. You can even take a chartered sailboat to visit the hidden bays. Furthermore, Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, introduces you to the local culture with many archaeological sites, museums, and churches. Bosa and other small villages will also cast a lasting impression on you with colorful buildings. Don’t forget to visit Doria Castle in Bosa. It was built in the 12th century.  6. Belize Best Time to Visit: December to April Belize, a country in Central America, is a wonderful fusion of ancient ruins, lush jungles, marine life, and turquoise water. Further, Belize has the most amazing beaches where you can take part in the following activities.  Snorkeling Scuba Diving A Flight Over  If you want to have the best inland experience, you can visit ATM Cave, Rio Frio Cave, and various Mayan historical sites. If you want to learn more about the history of Belize and human life, you can visit Cahal Pech, an ancient city.  7. Kefalonia, Greece Best Time to Visit: June to August Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island in Greece. Its blue coastline looks the most amazing, with coves and limestone cliffs. Further, you will love the vineyards and rugged mountains here.  One of the exotic places to travel, Kefalonia stands out because of its Myrtos Beach. You will enjoy an amazing view of the turquoise sea here. Other places that will keep you intrigued are: Melissáni Cave Ainos National Park Mount Ainos Moreover, you must not forget a visit to Fiskardo, a quaint village with the best architecture from the 18th century.  8. Rajasthan, India Best Time to Visit: November to February The land of great Rajput warriors and rulers, Rajasthan is a living destination of human history. James Tod, an Oriental scholar, penned the most beautiful historical account of the state. The name of the book is “Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan.” Further, “Rajkahini” by Abanindranath Thakur is a wonderful depiction of Rajasthan's royalties. If you want to visit Rajasthan, one of the most exotic places in the world, you must read these books once. Rajasthan has so much to offer that you need at least 15 days to touch upon its iconic spots, such as the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Mehrangarh Fort, and many other fortifications. Don’t forget to explore the desert on a camel safari. You will also fall in love with the local culture. Rajasthan has some of the most iconic dance forms, like Kalbelia, and the tunes of the Sindhi Sarangi are a sheer delight to the ears. Moreover, the local puppet shows are vibrant, and they depict historical and folk stories.  9. Sa Pa, Vietnam Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November Sa Pa in northwest Vietnam is a tranquil beach destination. The beautiful Hoàng Liên Son Mountains are also present here, making you cherish a scenic view. Moreover, Da, Dao, Hmong, and other local tribes live here. An interaction with them is better than any book describing the culture and human history of the country. So, you can miss the best luxury hotels in Sa Pa and spend your days here in homestays surrounded by these tribes. Also, you can collect the most aesthetic souvenirs from the local market. It has handicraft products.  10. Indonesia Best Time to Visit: July to December Indonesia itself is a wonderful travel destination. Indonesia’s tourism industry supports 12.5 jobs and is projected to contribute more than IDR 1,131TN to the country's economy in 2024. (Source: World Travel & Tourism Council) However, I want to discuss the Raja Ampat Islands, one of the most exotic places to visit in Indonesia. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most amazing activities here. You will encounter amazing turtles, mata rays, and dolphins here. Furthermore, a wildlife exploration here will allow you to meet the most beautiful birds and many endemic species.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.