Thanksgiving Road Trips With Kids: Tips For A Fun And Safe Journey

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.  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  Ankita Feb 2, 2024

Traveling is one of the most thrilling and exciting things. Many people wait for a long time to plan and go on a trip. But as much as it is exciting to explore another location, taking your comfort along with it is a real challenge. We all imagine ourselves in the best outfits when on a trip. But when it comes to planning –the job seems daunting to many people. If you are one of them, worry not. In this blog, you will explore smart and effective tips for packing right in 2024. Let’s dig into the blog Packing Tips If You Want To Travel Smartly In 2024 As much as traveling is loved by all, packing is not liked by many. 2024 is the year of smart packing. This doesn’t mean removing your desired items from the suitcase. In fact, it is about packing everything in an organized, functional, and tidy way. In the next section of the article, I have listed down a few tips to smartly pack for a seamless journey: 1. Start With Light Items.  To start packing, the first and foremost thing you need to get is lighter items. You can start packing by folding your shirts, shorts, and undergarments. It is true that traveling is an exciting event, and you want to carry your wardrobe around. But that’s technically not possible, right?  So, carry only a handful of clothes and essentials to keep the bag as light as possible. Once you decide the shirts you want to take, you can pair your pants with them and make an outfit for occasions. This way, you will understand how to organize and save more space in your luggage for other things. 2. Plan Your Outfits  To save space in the bag and prevent carrying an extra burden on the trip, it is advised to plan your outfit. This is one of the time-consuming factors. You might want to shop to achieve your imaginative look. So, start planning early and lay down all your shirts and pants to pair and create an outfit on the trip.  Don’t pack a thing that needs an additional shirt and pair of shoes to achieve a look. Instead, travel smartly! A true stylist knows how to mix and match outfits and create style statements every single day. Be confident with your outfits and pack them in the most functional way. 3. Choose Right Luggage When you are traveling, you are carrying your comfort along with you. If the main support to the comfort is weak, it can create a mess with your belongings.  That is why traveling experts recommend packing things in the right size and quality luggage. So, choosing the right luggage is our very next tip.  If you don’t have a luggage bag or backpack that can carry airline personal item, you can check online and explore the store to get a quality and affordable price. This way, you will have peace of mind that your bags are in good condition to support the weight of things. 4. Wear Heavy Items  There are many travel experts who are following this hack. When you carry heavy things in the luggage, it will simply add more weight. But what if you carry them on yourself? You can wear your bulky jacket or boots that you want to wear on the trip. This way, you will not have to leave our most liked and precious outfits at home. Additionally, you are saving all that shipping money that you might have to pay for extra luggage. Exclude all the other heavy items that are not much of a necessity. But hey, don’t forget to pack your camera! 5. Don’t Forget Medical Kit  Next, don’t forget to carry a medical kit on the trip for your safety and health. When there is a change in the climate, food, and water, you cannot predict your health for it. So, consider creating a small pouch and include Band-Aids, painkillers, stomach relief, and other medicines that you take on a regular basis to travel with. This way, you will not have to run to the healthcare center in case of any health emergency. 6. Carry A Route Map Wherever You Go Visit a city 10 times, and you are still likely to forget its shortcut routes. This is why carrying a map is important, no matter where you go. This is a must-have in your bag because it removes all the unnecessary stress of traveling alone. Although technology is doing much of the job itself.  Nowadays, carrying your mobile devices certainly helps a lot. From discovering the best brewery around you to looking for a healthcare facility, there’s nothing that you cannot do with the help of your phone, tablet, or laptop. In whichever form, make sure to have proper access to navigation.  7. Don’t Forget To Capture Your Memories Last but not least, don’t forget to capture your special memories. Pack your handy cams, DSLRs, and other essential things. A true fact is you never know when you will be able to visit this mesmerizing destination again. Traveling, in itself, is a unique experience, and don’t forget to cherish it. Live every moment and enjoy them to the fullest. This counts as the true essence of a trip. Check out some amazing hand gadgets and cameras on the Internet that do not weigh too much. Make sure not to overload your luggage, even though all you want is to take some astounding pictures.  Parting Thoughts These were some of the smart packing tips that end up helping you travel smartly. A seamless journey experience is priceless, so make the most of it with these tips. Your traveling days are near!  Save this article and implement the aforementioned practices on your next trip in 2024. Also, comment below on your packing strategies. Thank you for reading! Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade

BY  Sibashree Nov 3, 2025

I visited Luang Prabang in 2022, and the capital of the ancient Laotian kingdom was slowly recovering from the rampage of COVID-19. The misty mornings were special, with hundreds of monks walking through the narrow streets with their alms bowls.  People gather and offer fruits and rice to the monks. The monks silently accept the offerings, then quietly return to the temples.  Even today, with skyrocketing tourism numbers, Luang Prabang remains one of the most unspoiled places on earth. Buddhism and a strong belief in the power of nature have helped the city to maintain its authentic charm.  Also, the 32 Buddhist temples present in Luang Prabang today are a telltale of the history, myths, and spiritual beliefs associated with the city’s origin. In this Luang Prabang temple guide, I will talk about the top Buddhist temples to visit in Luang Prabang Laos. Of course, the Golden City Temple or Wat Xieng Thong is the most famous among them. It was built in 1560.  What Are The Top Buddhist Temples To Visit In Luang Prabang Laos?  As the mornings in Luang Prabang are special with the quietude and humility of the alms giving ceremony, the evenings are magical with the evening chants of the monks in the temples.  The sound of the chants echoes through the valley with the Mekong River passing by dreamily and the outlines of the mountains fading into the darkness.  I used to get lost in my thoughts that these temples were the sites of the coronation of many Laotian kings. Also, despite their intricate designs, they look like an extension of the ethereal natural landscape here.  Nevertheless, these are the top Buddhist temples to visit in Luang Prabang, Laos.  1. Wat Xieng Thong Also known as the “Monastery of the Golden City,” Wat Xieng Thong evokes awe. Built in 1560, it is home to the famous reclining Buddha Sanctuary or the Red Chapel.  It also stands out with its architectural excellence, including the multi-tiered roofline and beautiful mosaic work.  2. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marek Kotlarski (@mkotlarski) Wat Mai, or the New Temple, is the largest in Luang Prabang. It looks exquisite with the gilded bas-relief panels on the façade.  Also, it is historically important as it served as the residence of the highest Lao Buddhist dignitary till 1975.  3. Wat Visounnarath (Wat Visoun) Wat Visoun has a distinctive, spherical, and unique stupa called "That Mak Mo” or the “Watermelon Stupa.” It has a rounded shape.  Also, Wat Visounnarath was founded in 1512. So, today, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang.  4. Wat Aham View this post on Instagram A post shared by Austin Bush (@bushaustin) Wat Aham is also known as the Monastery of the Open Hearted. It is located next to Wat Visoun.  Wat Aham is famous for its two ancient banyan trees on its grounds. Locals believe that these trees are home to the guardian spirits of the city.  5. Wat That Luang Locals call Wat That Luang the Monastery of the Royal Stupa. The ashes of King Sisavang Vong, who died in 1959, are present in the golden stupa in the temple grounds. Even before that, it was used to cremate many members of the royal family.  6. Wat Chom Si Located on the top of Mount Phousi, Wat Chom Si was the best temple I visited in Luang Prabang. The spiritual energy there was so high.  I don’t know whether it’s the joy of reaching the temple after a trek or the magical views of the Mekong River from the top! Everything looks and feels so magical here! 7. Wat Sop Sickharam The structure of the Wat Sop Sickharam temple, what we see today, is the renovated form of the 19th century. However, the origin of the temple goes back to the 16th century.  Its architecture is a wonderful fusion of the French Colonial Style and traditional Lao architecture.  8. Wat Pa Phai The congregational hall or the traditional Lao-style sim is the highlight of Wat Pa Phai. Furthermore, its facade is unique with exterior columns and a verandah.  It also has another name, “The Monastery of the Bamboo Forest.”  9. Wat Sene Souk Haram Wat Sene Souk Haram looks dazzling with its golden and red ornamentation. It is known as the Temple of 100,000 treasures, as it was built with 100,000 stones collected from the Mekong River in 1718.  10. Wat Nong Sikhounmuang Wat Nong Sikhounmuang has recently gone through a major renovation. It is home to one of the largest and richest pagodas in Luang Prabang.  Furthermore, you can spot it from a distance due to its vibrantly colored roof in the traditional Thai style.  11. Wat Khili View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nat & Ricky Dunn (@lifedunndifferently) The large gold Wheel of Life on the front gable of Wat Khili will be the first thing to catch your notice. Furthermore, it has low roofs and a red facade with golden columns.  It shows influence from the Xieng Khouang province and was built in 1773.  12. Wat Phon Phao Wat Phon Phao has a unique octagonal structure, and with the sunlight falling over it, it uses its golden glow to illuminate the city.  The paintings in the interior of this temple are beautiful, and they depict the Buddhist philosophy of life and death.  13. Wat Manorom Wat Manorom is home to a 6-meter-high bronze Buddha statue, which dates back to the 14th century. Apart from being a temple, it is also an important community center for the locals.  In fact, all the temples in Luang Prabang help nurture community bonding. Also, historically, it used to be the home of the largest number of monks.  14. Wat Ho Pha Bang (inside Royal Palace) The Wat Ho Pha Bang, or the Temple of the Pha Bang, houses the Phra Bang Buddha image, the palladium of Laos.  This temple is located inside the Royal Palace grounds.  15. Wat Mahathat Wat Mahathat was founded in 1548. It houses the ashes of the revered Prince Phetsarath, who declared the independence of Laos in 1945.  It also has a highly ornamented facade.  16. Wat Xieng Mouane View this post on Instagram A post shared by nrq (@nrqpapa) Wat Xieng Mouane is important for its role in promoting traditional art and culture. Furthermore, I loved the gilding and traditional woodwork in the temple.  17. Wat That Phoun Wat That Phoun is one of the most peaceful temples I have visited in Luang Prabang. Also, once you enter the temple, it’s like an art gallery with a wonderful display of paintings.  The entrance gates are adorned with serpent deities or Nagas, and the temple also functions as a cremation location.  18. Wat Long Khoun “Wat Long Khoun is where our kings once meditated. It’s quiet, sacred, and often overlooked.” - Somsack, my local guide.  This former royal meditation retreat is a wonderful example of Lao architecture in the 18th century, and it has the most illustrious Jataka murals, depicting the last lives of Lord Buddha.  19. Wat Phra Bat Tai Wat Phra Bat Tai in Luang Prabang is very similar to Prabhas Tirtha in India. Prabhas Tirtha has the footprints of Lord Krishna, and War Phra Bat Tai has a huge footprint of the Buddha.  Furthermore, its architectural style shows a wonderful fusion of Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese architectural styles.  It is also where I found it the easiest to interact with the monks and share our philosophies about life.  20. Wat Phon Heuang The traditional stenciling on the temple's ceiling instantly evoked a sense of awe. Furthermore, I saw how it is an important social area or hub for the local community. It is so because it is one of the prime locations for participating in the alms-giving ceremony.  In addition, when I visited, it had not been extensively renovated. So, it was like connecting to the past for me.  Wat Xieng Mouane: The Lesser-Known Temple Of Luang Prabang  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruprecht Lin (@boblinize) Wat Xieng Maen is a hidden gem if I talk about the top temples to visit in Luang Prabang. It was founded in 1592.  I took a ferry across the Mekong River to reach this temple. It is a quiet escape, and it is significant as it was home to the famous Phra Bang Buddha image for a short period.  Accessibility Ratings Of The Best Temples In Luang Prabang  Check out the table below to know about the most accessible Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang.  TempleWheelchair AccessStairsQuiet ZonesWat Xieng Thong✅Minimal✅Wat Mai✅Few steps✅Wat Visoun✅Ramp available✅Wat Aham✅Flat terrain✅ Photography Tips Golden Hour: 6:00–7:00 AM and 5:00–6:30 PM. Best Angles: Capture rooflines from low angles; use temple doorways for framing. Respectful Shots: Avoid interrupting rituals or photographing monks without consent. Gear: Use a wide-angle lens for interiors and a tripod for low-light shots. Temple Etiquette & Dress Code In Luang Prabang Dress Modestly: Shoulders and knees covered. Avoid tight or revealing clothing. Remove Shoes: Always take off footwear before entering the temple interiors. Avoid Pointing Feet: Never point your feet toward Buddha statues or monks. Photography: Ask permission before photographing monks or rituals. Alms Giving: Participate respectfully in morning alms (Tak Bat) by kneeling and remaining silent. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Temples In Luang Prabang? Luang Prabang’s temples are open year-round, but timing enhances the experience: MonthHighlightsNovember–FebruaryCool, dry weather is ideal for walking tours.Mar–MayHot but less crowded and good for early morning visits.June–OctoberRainy season, and it stands out with its lush greenery and fewer tourists. Best Time of Day To Visit The Temples In Luang Prabang  Sunrise: Wat Chom Si after a climb to Mount Phousi Midday: Wat Mai, with its shaded interiors, is the perfect late morning and afternoon refuge.  Sunset: Wat Xieng Thong is ideal for golden hour photography.  Walking Routes & Maps: Exploring The Best Temples Of Luang Prabang  Visiting all the temples in Luang Prabang is not possible in a single visit to the city. Instead, for a short trip to the city, you can follow these temple tour routes.  1. Temple Trail Route (2–3 Hours) Start at Wat Xieng Thong.  Walk to Wat Sop Sickharam.  Continue to Wat Sene.  Visit Wat Mai.  End at Wat Visoun. 2. Sunset Spiritual Loop (1 Hour) Climb Mount Phousi to Wat Chom Si. Descend to Wat Aham. Finish at Wat That Luang. Luang Prabang Temple Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Luang Prabang temple guide.  1. How Many Temples Are In Luang Prabang? Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 32 operational Buddhist temples. These temples with their beautiful murals, paintings, and sculptures depicting the life and lessons of Lord Buddha, are prominent social, religious, and community centers. Furthermore, they show a wonderful fusion of Lao, Thai, and Khmer architectural styles in their architecture.  2. Can I Visit The Temples In Luang Prabang During Festivals? Yes, you can visit the temples in Luang Prabang during major festivals such as Boun Pi Mai, the Lao New Year, and Boun Khao Phansa, or the start of the Buddhist Lent. However, you have to be patient as there will be crowds, and you have to follow the etiquette. 3. Are Women Allowed To Give Alms? I found out that people taking part in the alms-giving ceremony were mostly women. However, my guide told me to follow some strict rules. You cannot touch the robes of the monks or make any physical contact with them. Also, you must kneel down before them while offering the alms.