Camping under the Canopies: RV Adventures in Northern California 

BY  Sibashree Jan 8, 2025

Tourism in New Orleans, Louisiana, is growing. We have the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The data says that in September 2024, the hotel occupancy in Louisiana was 2.1% more than in September 2023.  Now, the places to visit and activities here have always helped tourism to this part of the world. If you are aware, New Orleans is a melting pot of jazz music, historic architecture, Cajun cuisine, brass bands, and so much more! However, traveling to New Orleans has always been a little expensive, and we often overlook it as a tourist destination for kids. So, when someone thinks of a kid-friendly destination or traveling on a budget, New Orleans is probably not the first choice. So, with this Tour and Travel guide of free things to do in New Orleans with kids, we want to bridge that gap. Here, you will discover New Orleans as a budget-friendly tourist destination for kids. Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids | Traveling On A Shoestring | Traveling Like A Local January to March is the best time if you want to explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids. The average temperature in these months ranges between 45-70 degrees F. Further, these months are the season of festivity in New Orleans.  Of course, you have the New Year celebrations. However, a friend of mine there says that Tet is the festival you must attend in New Orleans. An important festival for the Vietnamese population in the city, it demonstrates the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.  Furthermore, the Carnival Season in New Orleans begins on 6th January. The last day of the festival, Mardi Gras is in mid-February or early March. Moreover, the city celebrates Black History Month with great sincerity. The Black History Month will be celebrated from 1st February to 1st March 2025.  So, if you explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids during this time, they will learn about the history and culture of the city from these festivities.  The Economic Modeling Specialist International or EMSI data shows how inclusive New Orleans is as a city. According to the 2021 data from EMSI, 59% of the population in the city is black. In the other 41%, the city has white Latinos, non-white Latinos and Asians. So, visiting New Orleans can be a great thing to learn about inclusivity for a child with a sensitive heart and an impressionable mind.  Let’s check out what more the city has in store for them. 1. Visit The Audubon Nature Center https://www.instagram.com/p/DCW-62VRd5M/?hl=en Location: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Sunday Closed) Entry Fees: Free Entrance to the Interpretative Center and Nature Center Walking Trails (Tickets Needed For Entry to the Zoo and Aquarium) Your to-do list of the free things to do in New Orleans with kids starts with a visit to the Audubon Nature Center. The aquarium, insectarium, and zoo are the prime attractions here. However, these three attractions do not allow free entry.  It is smart if you opt for a combo ticket. The combo ticket costs “$49.95 Adult / $44.95 Youth​ / $44.95 Seniors.”  Moreover, if your little one is interested in stargazing or astrotourism, you must visit the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Planetarium and Nature Dome Theater. It is temporarily closed. However, it will resume its operations from February with new films and content.  2. Visit A New Orleans Public Library Branch | Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZrMeGpt1L/?img_index=1 Main Library Location: 219 Loyola Avenue. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 596-2610 Hours Open: 10 AM to 7 PM If your little one loves to read, a visit to any branch of the New Orleans Public Library will be fulfilling to them. However, I especially recommend visiting the Children's Resource Center Library.  The Children's Resource Center Library is located at 913 Napoleon Avenue. You can reach out to them at (504) 596-2628. The library remains open from 10 AM  to 7 PM. Further, it hosts regular events like Storytime, Craft and Lit, and Tween Chess Club.  I was exploring their Instagram page, and it’s so much fun! Particularly, one post drew my attention. It was a poster from a 2019 event where drag Queen Ariel Androgyny had a story-reading session. Further, the poster said that the event was about celebrating diversity.  Embed: https://www.instagram.com/arielandrogyny/p/B5-5IgJlu0d/?img_index=1 Events like these are great for teaching diversity and inclusivity to the children.  3. Explore Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVONpWRDC9/ Location: 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans Contact Number:  (504) 523-5433 And Toll Free: (866) 230-8895 If your kid is eager to know about the history and true spirit of New Orleans, a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum at Arnaud's Restaurant will be great.  It has two dozen Mardi Gras costume collections of Germaine Cazanave Wells. These are the costumes worn by queens during this high society extravaganza.  So, take your kids to the Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum and let them cherish their moments of fantasy and wonder.  4. Plan A Tour Of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHMeMbO72W/?img_index=1 Location: 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 589-3882 Hours Open: 24 Hours  Do your little ones want some adventure, and you are looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids? Take them to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. At this historical park, they will meet the native snakes and alligators.  Further, the Barataria Preserve is at the epicenter of a visit to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. This preserve consists of  26,000 acres of Louisiana Wetlands.  Other points of attraction in the park are Chalmette Battlefield, French Quarter Visitor Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, etc.  5. A Visit To The LA Children’s Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2KljRieGh/?img_index=1 Address: 15 Henry Thomas Dr., City Park, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 523-1357 Entry Fee: Free Entry On The Second Sunday Every Other Month (11 AM to 4:30 PM) Hours Open: Wednesday to Saturday (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday (11:30 AM - 4:30 PM), Monday and Tuesday Closed The Louisiana Children’s Museum has fun programs to boost the creativity of your children. Your little one can be a part of the camps. These camps offer interactive learning experiences in math, science, and nature.  Living with Water is another great program to learn about the survival and evolution in wetlands and wet environments.  Moreover, the museum hosts Sensory-friendly Playtime. If your child has sensory-specific needs, they can explore the museum at their own pace without noise and crowd.  Reaching New Orleans | Know This Travel Details Before Exploring The Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids  New Orleans is well connected to the other states of the USA and the rest of the world thanks to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Further, you can take the service of the Airport Shuttle New Orleans to reach your hotel or destination from the airport. Airport Shuttle New Orleans is located at 4220 Howard Avenue and you can reach out to them at +1 504-522-3500.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Mashum Feb 12, 2019

Brace yourselves – the storm of starry-eyed romantics, displaying affection in public, is coming. For people who are in a relationship, this Valentine’s Day might be the perfect time to express their love for their partners. But for other folks who are single, this occasion may seem a bit, well, cringe-worthy. It doesn’t have to be. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in different forms. It can be love for a spouse. It can be love for parents, siblings, kids, and friends. It can be a love for the community. Lastly, it can be love for yourself. Traveling is one of the best things you can do to show how much you love yourself. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck at home, binge-watching series and avoiding social media. Go out. Explore. Visit places and do activities that spark joy. Where to go and what to do this Valentine’s Day? Here are travel tips ideally suited for singles this season of love. 1. Travel to a nearby off-season getaway for the weekend Take a weekend trip to somewhere near yet away from the city – somewhere close to your heart. Just make sure to go “off-peak” to enjoy cheaper rates and less crowd (unless you’re ready to mingle.) If you don’t want smooching couples to rain on your parade, there are utterly cheesy, thus crowded destinations and activities to avoid. Skip fancy flower and chocolate shops, candlelit restaurants, secluded resorts, tall towers, malls, bay view parks, and romantic hotels. Avoid travel packages that say something like “romantic champagne dinner for two.” Instead, go hiking.Search for underrated beach resorts with exciting daytime activities and great nightlife. Visit museums and historical destinations with interesting architectures. Don’t forget to bring a tripod or mono pod to take beautiful photos. 2. Try blood-rushing travel activities for the first time When was the last time you did something daring for the first time? Take advantage of the freedom you have and do something you've been dreading to try. There are travel activities that don’t need a partner to enjoy. Find a hiking trail and explore with strangers and take great pictures along the way. Don’t just chill by the shore – learn surfing, paddle boarding, and other waterspouts. Go skydiving. If that’s too nerve-racking (and expensive) for you, you may try zip line. 3. Fall in love…with animals It’s amazing how an animal can change your life – and make you feel like you’re not alone in this world. Aside from bonding with your pet, you may enjoy visiting an animal sanctuary, a safari, or an octogenarian. You can also drink coffee at a pet cafe nearby. 4. Go have a relaxing staycation in the city Can’t travel far? Book a hotel room in the city all for yourself. Enjoy the view of the skyscrapers from your balcony. Use hotel amenities including in-room television with free movies, roof deck swimming pool, spas, and buffet. You can also go out to nearby establishments, like restaurants, cafes, and pubs, malls, cinemas, and museums have the time of your life. 5. Give yourself a wellness retreat Devote the entire day, or even a weekend to relaxing to treat your body, mind, and senses, at someone special like The Aerial BVI – you deserve it after a long week of working non-stop. The wellness retreats at The Aerial BVI can be booked exclusively for your entire family or group so you can enjoy the private beach, activities, and amenities whether you stay for the day or a week! If hotel accommodation is too expensive, go to a spa for a rejuvenating massage. Get facial treatment. Go to a hair and nail salon for a quick makeover. Go shopping. At the end of the day, pamper yourself with a glass of wine or champagne. Or hot chocolate or tea, if you don’t drink. 6. Master the art of solo dining Avoid candlelit restaurants, they say, for they’ll be packed with lovers this Valentine’s Day. But what if you want to treat yourself to a juicy steak at the best steakhouse in Omaha (or wherever you're traveling), and a glass of wine? Here are the tips for enjoying yourself at a restaurant. Rule number one: Don’t mind them and go treat yourself with your favorite dish and liquor. Avoid encountering couples by going for lunch instead of dinner. If you’re in a fancy restaurant with no entertainment or whatsoever, make sure to bring any reading material or any source of entertainment. You can also take out your phone, take great photos, and edit them like a pro. You may also go to casual coffee joints where you can enjoy your alone time at peace. Check out night markets for interesting food offerings, which may suit your palate. If you’re at a bar, choose a counter seat. Chat with service people. You can even chat with another solo diner. 7. Go to bars/clubs with entertainment Dining places with live performances are perfect for solo travelers, who are sick of looking bored and lonely when dining alone. They also provide great value for time and money, since you can enjoy great food and entertainment at the same time. Find a bar with stand-up comedy acts, jazz, rock, or acoustic band performances, spoken poetry, and other forms of performing arts which suit your taste. 8. See your favorite musicians live Music buff? Celebrate V-Day with your favorite artists. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a pricey concert – it can be a music festival, free outdoor shows, or gigs at a local bar. 9. Attend day workshops Do you want to learn how to make chocolates? Or be your own bartender by learning how to mix cocktails? Do you want to take your skills in photography or painting to the next level? A day of learning more about something you're passionate about and/or something new and exciting pays off in the long run. 10. Travel with friends and/or family Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to travel alone. Gather your single friends, guys, and girls, and plan a getaway. Rent out a vacation home, a huge hotel room, or go camping with a bonfire on. Make music, drink, play games, and be merry. Okay, so your friends have other plans. Don’t fret – spend time with your family. You can go third-wheeling with your parents or plan a family getaway out of town. Having fun doesn't have to be expensive and far. A plus point: It’ll be cheaper since you get to share the expenses. Read Also:  Romantic Getaway Tips: 9 Ways to Celebrate Love without Special Occasions Tips For Improving Your Holiday Experience

BY  Barsha Feb 2, 2023

Are you craving some Filipino food? If you currently sitting in Las Vegas craving some Filipino food? Are you confused with all the results you received from your ‘Filipino food near me’ search? Guess what? You have arrived at the right destination - without wasting any time, scroll down and check out all the best Filipino restaurants in Las Vegas! Filipino Food Near Me In Las Vegas - Best Food For You So have you already started looking up results for the ‘Filipino food near me’ search query? Wait, stop! Why go on any search engine and get confused - you know you will be spoilt for choice and end up not going to a Filipino restaurant at all. That’s what we inevitably end up doing. But we have done some intensive research on your behalf and come up with the best Filipino places located in the United States. Scroll down to read about these places! 1.Toto’s Grill: Do you love street food? How about Filipino street foods and some BBQ? Are you looking up ‘Filipino fast food near me?’ Then you must check out Toto’s Grill - the place is crazy! Tasty BBQ and Filipino street food is all you need. Nice lunch! It's been a couple of years since the last time we visited Vegas, and we always make it a point to visit this shopping center. We tried a little bit of everything including the lumpia, the BBQ, and the fried siomai. The lumpia had a good amount of filling in it without being too soggy. The BBQ was some of the best we've ever had because it was definitely more meat and less fat. The siomai was tasty! The owner was friendly as well. We're glad we found this place! Review By Carissa Concepcion: 2. Fiesta Filipina Cuisine: So here you are looking up ‘Filipino food near me.’ Wait, have you considered going to Fiesta Filipina Cuisine? The restaurant has a cosy, traditional setting and is well known for their quick-serve dishes such as Caldereta, Lumpia, and Pancit. I really enjoyed eating the homestyle food here. It's cafeteria style service, where you tell them what kind of food/specials you want, and they prepare it for you on plates/bowls. There weren't any signs as to what each dish was, but you can point to what you want. The food was delicious and very flavorful, but it can be a bit confusing if it's your first time ordering here. Review By Sandy C: 3. Itoy Sariling Atin: If you love buffet and Filipino foods then you don’t need to waste time on confusing search queries like ‘best Filipino food near me.’ Instead, why don’t you check out Itoy Sariling Atin? They serve great food - and they have crazy guest reviews! We love good guest reviews! Best Philippino place in town friendly polite family run place, down home comfort food, and some exotic dishes too. Very large portions at a reasonable price. I eat there at least once a week and have never been treated with anything but respect regardless of my ethnicity. The food is always fresh and delicious pay no attention to trolls. Review By George Swails: 4. Nanay Gloria's Filipino Restaurant: While doing a quick ‘Filipino food near me’ search at Vegas, we randomly stumbled upon this informal establishment serving a crazy all-you-can-eat buffet! And that too a buffet of traditional Filipino menu, cooked at home! Yes, this is why you must head over to Nanay Gloria's Filipino Restaurant. Very excellent place for Filipino food while in Vegas. Well organized. And the option to do a buffet as well is just outstanding. Plenty of seating with a mix of tables and booths, available self serve cups with ice cold lemon water for customers is a big plus. TVs for entertainment as you eat. I likes how the food tray selection area has bright light bulbs over each food tray to illuminate each selection better. Review By Garie Pamintuan: 5. Max's Restaurant, Cuisine of the Philippines, Las Vegas: One of our favorite Filipino restaurants in Las Vegas is ‘Max's Restaurant, Cuisine of the Philippines, Las Vegas!’ They serve fried chicken with an unique banana ketchup and we simply love the dish! I'm not Filipino but I love this place! A buddy of mine took us here, and he said it was all authentic Filipino food. Everything cooked perfectly, well seasoned, I really liked the beef soup and the garlic rice. I even tried the pork intestines for the first time and it was good! Crispy and chewy with a vinegar sauce. We'll be back for sure. Review By Steve Strom: 6. Kapuso Kapamilya: Are you already sick and tired of typing ‘Filipino restaurants near me’ on Google only to be disappointed? You are in Vegas, after all - you want to eat Filipino foods. That does sound great. But how about a karaoke bar to make things fun? Head over to Kapuso Kapamilya! I have never had "real" ramen before so this was exciting. I ended up going with my daughter and had a great meal. The server was very helpful in explaining what each item was and what a lot of people like. I ordered based on her recommendation and was happy with the result. We will for sure be going back to try something else new on the menu! Review By John Cerul: 7. Kusina Ni Lorraine: Are you a fan of traditional cooking and Filipino food? Do you love buffets? Then stop your ‘Filipino restaurant near me’ search and simpy head over to Kusina Ni Lorraine! A no-frills restaurant known for their crazy buffets, you must check this place out. Love this place! One of my favorite buffets in Vegas. Dont order to go its all about the sit in all you can eat buffet. If you dont have time to sit in and want to buy your to go orders elsewhere seafood city is down the street. This is for those who want to munch down alot of food and go back for more. If your ordering to go your doin it wrong! Review By Jerek Deeter: 8. Grill City The restaurant is situated near Maryland Pkwy in Las Vegas and boasts food of diverse types like fast food, barbeque, and Philippines. They have both the option of dining in along with online orders. They also have seatings accessible for wheelchair adjustment. This is another eatery that has Filipino food near me! On Tripadvisor, the ratings given on the restaurant is 4 out of 5 based on 20 reviews where people are satisfied with the food and the value. The services need to further grow. Always come here when we visit Vegas. I love Filipino street food and they do it well. Reminds me of the street vendors in Cebu. Place is amazing. I highly recommend the BBQ sticks.. My favorite for sure. Several fish options (wife loves it) as well. Review By Anthony r: 9. L&L Hawaiian Barbeque The eatery will take you to Hawaii where you eat the food that has diverse flavors along with warm service by the staff. The people working in the restaurant are quite helpful and cheerful making your experience worthwhile. According to the review on Yelp.com, their speciality is the Hawaiian plate lunch which has aloha-infused hot entree, creamy macaroni salad and rice. The rating is 4 out of 5 based on 163 reviews. Great friendly service. Quick service. The food is good and the price is right. Good spot to dine in or takeout. I'll definitely eat there again! Review By Becky Z. 10. Pepita’s Kitchen The Pepita’s Kitchen is another amazing joint for Filipino food where you can have authentic experience of hand rolls and sashimi. Filipino food is incomplete without rice in their food. People enjoy chilled seafood along with crisp nori, Japanese beer and other delicious food items. Who knew lechon and truffle fried rice would go together?! It was so freakin' delicious. They give so much rice and meat along with crispy lechon skin!!! It's great to have this deliciousness whether you're hungover or sober. We take a cab here each time we're in town. So worth it! Review By Mariel V. And It’s A Wrap: Bon Appetit! So now you know which are the best Filipino restaurants to try out in Las Vegas. You don’t need to type ‘Filipino food near me’ and figure out which one too go - instead save this article and give in to your cravings. These places are the absolutely amazing - Bon Appétit! Have fun digging into so much Filipino food - feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Read Also: 12 Best Places For Halal Food Near Me In Sydney Best Asian Restaurants In Florida – A Must Visit For Food Lovers Top 10 Restaurants In Lagrange Ga – Restaurant Guide For Your Trip