How to Book an All-Inclusive Mardi Gras Vacation

One of the latest Mardi Gras vacation trends is the all-inclusive trip. This type of trip typically includes your airfare, hotel and amenities for one price, because travel planners develop close relationships with New Orleans hotels. You need to look at the value of an all-inclusive vacation before you book your trip.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Arrange an All-Inclusive Vacation During Mardi Gras

1. Find an all-inclusive package that provides hotel accommodations away from the heart of Mardi Gras. Travel planners push Bourbon Street hotels to drive up package prices for extended stays. You should look for trips that allow you to stay on nearby Rampart or Decatur streets.

2. Search for cheap vacation packages to Mardi Gras that entail at least one layover. There are plenty of direct flights into New Orleans International Airport, but the heavy traffic into the city increases airfare substantially. Book a vacation where you can use the Dallas or Atlanta airport as a layover spot to save money for your Mardi Gras experience.

3. Locate a Mardi Gras vacation that includes discounted or free transportation. Most vacation packages to New Orleans only include hotel and airfare costs, leaving transportation within the city to you. There are specialty companies that hire shuttle or taxi service to maximize your enjoyment.

4. Review tours and shows available through a vacation package as you book your Mardi Gras trip. Some companies work with city tour guides, museums and other companies to provide you with insight into the history of New Orleans while you enjoy the festivities.

5. Enjoy food and drinks as part of your all-inclusive Mardi Gras package. One of the benefits of these trips is that the package fee covers a certain amount of meals or drinks at your hotel. Determine the upward monetary limit for these benefits before you book your trip.

6. Research available Mardi Gras vacations for family-friendly options. The celebration of Mardi Gras is largely family-friendly outside of Bourbon Street. You can find packages appropriate for children by looking for hotels outside the central area of the festivities There you can enjoy smaller parades, childrens' shows and other entertainment.

Tips & Warnings

• Examine the duration of an all-inclusive vacation to Mardi Gras to find the best deal. Many all-inclusive vacations feature trips that last four to six days because a trip of such duration guarantees that hotels, airlines and restaurants will fill critical spaces. If you want a simple two-day trip for Mardi Gras, you should steer clear of all-inclusive trips.