I recently traveled to this world renowned Jazz-tastic city on the “Spotlight on New Orleans” itinerary with AAA Member Choice Vacations. We stayed right on Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter. This meant effortless walks to wining, dining, and shopping and of course the Mississippi River! The architecture all around was incredible, but the food! This was the best part!

I didn't have any prior experience on an escorted tour so I didn't know what to expect. What I discovered was that if it wasn’t for this perfectly crafted itinerary through the “Big Easy”, I’m not sure how much I would have been able to do on my own. There’s so much, (seriously...) so much to do, see, eat, listen and explore.

The first day of the guided tour we enjoyed a panoramic city tour with an excellent local guide. We visited St. Louis Cemetery #3, which opened in 1854. It was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but has since been reconditioned. Have you ever seen above-ground crypts? I haven’t before this! All the rows of marble tombs reflect chapters in the city’s history and entomb many significant people in our country’s history.

Next, we celebrated the festive side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World where the annual floats are made for the Mardi Gras parades. At dinner time, we indulged at the New Orleans School of Cooking where we watched traditional New Orleans cuisine being prepared.

My favorite part of the trip was when we toured the French Quarter by foot. In order to truly appreciate the intricate crafted details of of the architecture, you have to see it in person. I was amazed looking up at the overhanging balconies with their railings woven together like vines. Our tour featured sights like St. Louis Cathedral, the French Market Place and of course freshly baked beignets at Café du Monde!

Later we took an excursion to the historic Oak Alley Plantation with its 28 massive oak trees that line the front of the property, a feature common to mansions in the Antebellum South. Our final day we journeyed through the Louisiana swamp by air-boat. We had a narrated ride by our captain and were able to see various types of wildlife (I held a baby alligator!). Afterwards climbed aboard The Natchez, one of only two true steam-powered sternwheelers plying the Mississippi today, for a trip up the river.

On this day it also happened to be my birthday, and what better place to spend the day? Traditionally on a birthday in New Orleans, you start with $1 pinned to your shirt and locals will recognize its significance and they will add money to your pin. By the end of the day you will have enough money to get yourself some drinks! I truly was able to experience this city because of my guided tour. I had so much fun, that I am already planning my trip back on my own time. There was so much variety and culture that I would recommend this to anyone. I can definitely say that I’ve “beignet….done that”!

Ask your AAA Travel Consultant» about all the worldwide itineraries available, or AAA Member Choice Vacations' "Spotlight on New Orleans" tour if you're interested in this specific one.