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Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
In Defense of the Tourist Trap: Why Following the Crowd Might Be the Smartest Way To Travel
This is part of Reason's 2025 summer travel issue. Click here to read the rest of the issue. If you ever go to New Orleans, one of your first stops should be the very unhidden gem of Café Du Monde's French Market location. There you can buy some New Orleans special beignets and, if the weather is hot enough (it almost certainly will be) a frozen coffee to wash them down. Café Du Monde is popular. The advice to go is often not popular. If you scan internet messaging boards about what to do in New Orleans, posters will often caution against a visit to Café Du Monde. It is dismissed as the most hated of all destinations, a "tourist trap": an overrated, overcrowded cliché that exists to suck money from unsophisticated travelers in exchange for an unsatisfyingly ordinary experience. Yet this aversion to Café Du Monde is obviously mistaken to anyone who does actually go there. The lines are long, yes, but they move fast. The beignets might not be literally the best in the world, or even in New Orleans. But they're good! Better yet, they're available at a reasonable price. And once you're done with your fried treat, you can walk to any number of other serviceable tourist destinations nearby. Raging against this delightfully efficient travel experience is a particular strand of travel ideology that encourages you to avoid the "tourist track" in favor of more authentic, higher-quality experiences to be found off the beaten path. Travel content creators, whether on social media or the Food Network, traffic in glamorizing the latter travel experience. Not much travel media could persist without it. There's only so much content one could watch about other people going to see the Louvre or the Vatican or Times Square, after all. Certainly, when one is traveling vicariously from the couch, it's fine to revel in hunts for the next world-famous hole-in-the-wall. When we're transporting ourselves in reality, the real rewards will often be found among the greatest hits. There's a reason for this, and it comes down to two concepts: economies of scale and agglomeration. Economies of scale is the idea that firms can lower their average costs by producing more units. In other words, if you set up your operation to make a lot of widgets, the cost of making each widget is a lot lower than what could be made by a small widget-making operation. This is effectively what the largest landmarks and tourist traps do. The National Mall and the Eiffel Tower were built to receive millions of people. Therefore, they're easily able to provide you, the marginal tourist, a satisfying experience at an ever-falling cost. Your presence adds a tiny additional cost to operating bathrooms, maintaining walking trails and directional signage, and even paying staff to tell people where they need to go and where not to spit their gum. The marginal expense of providing you the opportunity of a forced--perspective photo where you hold the Washington Monument aloft is effectively zero. This is hardly the case with more niche destinations. The obscure hiking trail with the perfectly instagrammable view likely suffers from increasing diseconomies of scale. These places work when they're patronized by locals and a few regional tourists. Once they go viral, they're quickly swamped. Parking lots are over capacity, trash overflows, and the marginal visitor's photo opportunity imposes severe costs on everyone else. It's why these destinations top internet lists of sights being "ruined" by tourists, even if their root purpose is to be a visitable sight to see. Gastronomical destinations operate under a similar logic. To return to Café Du Monde: This is a place that takes every advantage from economies of scale. Its food menu is very simple, with just one item: beignets. Its drink menu is a delightfully uncomplicated offering of coffee in its three natural states of hot, iced, and frozen. As a slight extravagance, they've added hot chocolate and bottled water to the menu. Café Du Monde can thus focus on pumping out a few dedicated specialties quickly and at a reasonable cost to both producer and consumer. These production savings can be poured into more staff, bringing faster service. In contrast, a heretofore undiscovered café, restaurant, or bar typically isn't prepared to handle even a modest surge in visitors. Newfound publicity quickly takes them overcapacity. Small-time businesses have no good options for digging their way out of a rush of tourists looking for the next big thing. In an effort to maintain their authenticity, they might try to keep everything—from location to the menu to the prices—the same as before. The result, then, is that you'll likely wait around in a huge line for hours. Perhaps, like good capitalists, they'll raise prices to manage higher demand. That's good for the business, of course: No one should begrudge them for seizing an enhanced opportunity for profit. But the higher price, like the longer wait, will take a huge bite out of whatever utility you might get from a slightly higher quality specialty dish from a more authentic local hole in the wall. For all that effort to see something off the beaten path, the tourist's consumer surplus is just as likely to go down as up. Meanwhile, the more popular the tourist trap, the greater the benefits to tourists will be. For travelers, there's an instinct to skip anything that seems too generic in favor of something more special and memorable. The fear of crowds and long waits overwhelms the desire to see something truly unique. Why go see the Mona Lisa in Paris, when everyone who visits Paris goes there and everyone visiting Paris at the same time as you will also be there? It's an understandable attitude, but a mistaken one. It fails to appreciate the urban agglomeration that creates the world-class tourist cities that give people a reason to travel in the first place. Urban agglomeration is basically the idea that people want to be where the action is. Workers move to cities because that's where the jobs are. Firms move to cities because that's where the workers are. As more and more people pile into an area, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Interpersonal networks become thicker, and the division of labor becomes more specialized. This agglomeration logic continues to apply, even as the costs and externalities of city life pile up. With more people come more traffic and more pollution. But the benefits of more people doing more and more things together always seems to outweigh the associated costs. Keep this agglomerative growth going, and eventually your city will be large enough, and the division of labor specialized enough, to create and sustain the unique cultural amenities that people travel across the globe to see. There's only so many great artists and great pieces of art in the world. Urbanism's agglomerative pull means many of them end up in a handful of superstar cities. Millions of tourists then follow. The Mona Lisa wasn't painted in Paris. She lives there nonetheless because that's where the eyeballs and the money are. Paris, in other words, exists for you to go see the Mona Lisa. To say that you won't go see the Mona Lisa because that's what everyone does in Paris is to miss the point of Paris. It's a point even the Parisians can miss. Carlos Moreno—the Sorbonne University professor most famous for creating the idea of the "15-minute city"—has argued that Paris could improve walkability and reduce traffic congestion by using neighborhood schools as playhouses and theaters after hours. On the other hand, "How many Parisians prefer to attend a concert, a ballet, or an opera at a neighborhood school rather than the Garnier Opera House, Opera Bastille, or the Bataclan?" counters the French urbanist Alain Bertaud. "Do these prestigious establishments have to be replaced with neighborhood shows that will give the spectator the satisfaction of walking there and saving about twenty minutes on transport?" To be sure, not every "tourist trap" is worth the visit or worth the expense. A shirt proclaiming how much you love New York can be bought online. You should also always be on the lookout for scams. And not every minute of a vacation needs to be dominated by sightseeing. If relaxation is the goal, there's a lot to be said for finding a café, bar, or restaurant within walking distance from the hotel and making that your home base for the trip. But if you are trying to see and do things, you should see and do the things that are ready for you. Don't burn up your vacation days sacrificing efficiency in a fruitless quest for authenticity. The tourist traps were made for tourists. They know what they're doing. If you're a tourist, there's no shame in enjoying them. The post In Defense of the Tourist Trap: Why Following the Crowd Might Be the Smartest Way To Travel appeared first on
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Five off-beat experiences in New Orleans that you just can't miss
The city of New Orleans offers a wealth of experiences for the luxury traveller, seeking to delve beyond the conventional tourist trails. While the allure of the French Quarter is undeniable, and a trip to iconic Café Du Monde is a must for a sample of its beignets and café au lait, there is a whole collection of offbeat and opulent adventures awaits those with a taste for the extraordinary. It is one of the most unique cities in the world and it's not hard to find experiences that suit the discerning tourist. Meet the colourful side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World. Here are some of the experiences the city offers, each of which offers an unforgettable way to connect with this captivating city. Step into a year-round carnival at Mardi Gras World New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras, a dazzling display of artistry and tradition that is celebrated before Easter. Any tourist planning a trip to this historic city would want to time it in time for the parade. But, that may not always be possible. If you are visiting the city outside of the traditional season, you can visit Mardi Gras World instead, a vast warehouse space that houses Mardi Gras floats as they are being designed for the season. A private, in-depth tour of Mardi Gras World will offer you an exclusive glimpse into this celebration. Imagine a behind-the-scenes exploration of the massive warehouses where the magnificent floats are crafted. Witness the intricate artistry and dedication that goes into creating these rolling masterpieces, learn about the history and traditions of the krewes. This isn't just any other touristy tour; it's a day spent immersing yourself in the spirit of the Carnival. Take a steamboat serenade on the Mississippi For those looking for a quiet escape, take a break from the hustle and bustle of this busy city and indulge your senses in a journey down the majestic Mississippi River aboard an authentic steamboat. Don't worry. This is not about roughing it out to experience the past. Several old-time vessels offer luxurious cruises in New Orleans, complete with gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. You can opt for a lively jazz brunch on a boat or a more sophisticated jazz dinner cruise, which promise to give luxury indulgence an all-new definition. Enjoy breathtaking views as you savour exquisite Creole cuisine, sip a fine wine. This offers a unique perspective of the city's charm and a taste of a bygone era, all as you gaze at the skyline of this historic city. Art encounters at JAMNOLA and StudioBE An immersive and vibrant installation at JAMNOLA, featuring an illuminated peacock amidst a canopy of intricate patterns. Venture beyond the traditional gallery scene and immerse yourself in the vibrant contemporary art landscape of the Marigny/Bywater neighbourhood with visits to JAMNOLA (Joy, Art & Music New Orleans) and StudioBE. JAMNOLA offers an interactive and visually stunning journey through the city's unique cultural expressions, providing a playful and engaging experience for art enthusiasts. Following this, a visit to StudioBE, the powerful warehouse gallery of artist Brandan 'BMike' Odums, offers a thought-provoking encounter with large-scale murals and installations addressing social justice and community narratives. For the luxury traveller seeking authentic and impactful cultural immersion, these spaces provide a refreshing and enriching alternative to conventional art viewings. Explore curated art on Julia Street Take a walk down Julia Street in the Arts District and soak in the beauty of human creativity. For the art enthusiasts, a sophisticated 'art walk' along Julia Street in the Arts/ Warehouse District provides a curated experience of New Orleans' thriving gallery scene. You can choose to take a stroll through the numerous contemporary art galleries, showcasing a diverse range of regional and international talent. Engage in conversations with gallery owners and artists, and perhaps even take back a unique piece of art to add to your personal collection. If you want to experience New Orleans like a resident, plan your trip around the first Saturday night of August, when the street comes alive with White Linen Night. The festival features open galleries, artists' receptions and love music and entertainment as people wear white linen suits or dresses. Walk down Magazine Street for quaint boutiques and garden district charm Escape the intensity of the French Quarter and immerse yourself in the refined ambiance of the Garden District, where a leisurely stroll and shopping experience awaits along Magazine Street. This vibrant thoroughfare is lined with an array of independent boutique stores, offering unique fashion, antiques, art, and home goods. For the luxury traveller with a penchant for discovering one-of-a-kind treasures, Magazine Street provides a delightful afternoon of exploration. Interspersed among the boutiques are charming bakeries and sophisticated bars, offering perfect opportunities to pause for a delectable treat or a handcrafted cocktail, soaking in the elegant atmosphere of this historic neighbourhood. All in all, these five offbeat experiences offer a perfect blend of culture, art, history, and regional flavour, curated for the luxury traveller seeking to experience the authentic soul of New Orleans. To know more, visit or Visit The USA. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
New Orleans: A travelogue through history, music and culinary delights
As you step foot into the Southern American city of New Orleans, you are enveloped into a world where the air is filled with a vibrant kind of energy that almost feels tangible. It is a city where history, music and culinary traditions come together to offer a unique experience for the discerning traveller, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone planning a trip to the United States of America. Christened the 'birthplace of Jazz', New Orleans offers a unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Each of these are felt in its streets that buzz with the soulful rhythm of jazz right from the intimate clubs of Frenchmen Street to the historic bounds of Preservation Hall. Beyond the well-trodden paths, New Orleans also offers a world of refined indulgences for the off-beat traveller, whether it is tasting traditional Creole fare served up by celebrity chefs, attending festivals like Mardi Gras, or simply strolling under the oak trees savouring beignets, a New Orleans' staple. One of the top factors that make a city a traveller's delight is its food – and New Orleans ranks high, offering a complete feast for the senses. Here, Creole and Cajun traditions intertwine to create exceptional dining experiences. From the iconic Café Du Monde, which has been serving café au lait and beignets daily since 1862, to Antoine's, the oldest family-run restaurant in New Orleans, or a neighbourhood po' boy joint like Parkway Bakery and Tavern, and Pascal's Manale – the birthplace of the classic New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp – the options are endless. Dig into traditional favourites such as shrimp Creole, jambalaya, red beans, gumbo, and étouffée, or take a private culinary tour through one of the city's historic kitchens. Of course, no visit is complete without indulging in freshly made beignets, best enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of coffee. New Orleans' culinary landscape offers something special for those who seek more than just a meal – it's a dining experience that will leave you awestruck with its artistic presentation and aromatic flavours. Experience the roots of jazz music In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New Orleans was a melting pot of musical traditions, including African, American, Creole, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. This rich cultural diversity provided fertile ground for the development of the jazz art form, for which the city is now world-famous. Jazz is everywhere – on the streets, in clubs, whether you're strolling through the French Quarter, the Marigny, Tremé, Uptown on Oak Street, or along St. Claude Avenue. Jazz clubs fill the air with music throughout the day and night. The city also hosts special music festivals that attract visitors from across the United States and around the world. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) is the crown jewel, attracting global audiences with legendary performers and a vibrant celebration of local culture. The French Quarter Festival offers a more intimate, local flavour, showcasing homegrown talent across scenic venues in the heart of the city. Another gem is the Satchmo SummerFest, held in honour of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, featuring live music, seminars, and traditional cuisine. You can take a bespoke jazz tour that guides you through some of New Orleans' most legendary musical landmarks – from the historic Preservation Hall, where traditional jazz lives on, to Louis Armstrong Park, home to Congo Square, the spiritual birthplace of jazz. Along the way, discover hidden gems like the Fritzel's Jazz Club, and learn how the genre evolved in the very streets you walk. For a taste of the city's modern rhythm, explore the Faubourg Marigny and Bywater districts, where lively clubs like The Spotted Cat Music Club and d.b.a. offer an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, funk, and traditional New Orleans soul. This buzzing city's entertainment scene beats to a different rhythm after the sun goes down. It won't be off the mark to say that New Orleans – where Jazz and cocktails were born – is a city that never sleeps! Discover hidden gems that offer unique cocktails amidst an ambience for a truly unforgettable evening. When in New Orleans, be sure to sample the iconic 'Hurricane' cocktail, a flavourful rum-based concoction served in a special glass that embodies the city's spirited atmosphere, perhaps in a historic bar with a storied past. Stroll down Royal Street or Frenchmen Street to feel the energy of the place, and perhaps catch a performance at a historic theatre, or enjoy a private box at a performance in the French Opera House. Those seeking a more relaxed experience can consider a twilight river cruise, enjoying cocktails and music as the city lights reflect on the Mississippi river or take a Cajun dancing lesson. New Orleans isn't all about jazz and cocktails — the city offers a thoughtfully curated array of experiences perfect for the discerning traveller. History and architecture buffs can embark on a private guided tour through the Garden District and French Quarter, where grand mansions, Creole townhouses, ornate wrought iron balconies, and lush courtyards tell stories of the city's storied past. Look out for architectural gems like the Gallier House or the Hermann-Grima House, which offer a deeper dive into 19th-century life in New Orleans. For a sweeping view of the city, head to the Vue Orleans observation deck atop the Four Seasons Hotel, located in the former World Trade Center. From this stunning vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline — a breathtaking experience, especially at sunset. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the spectacle of a Mardi Gras parade, a dazzling display of artistry and tradition, or a private viewing of the parade from a balcony. If your visit doesn't coincide with the parade, make sure you visit the Mardi Gras museum or Mardi Gras World to get a glimpse into the history and artistry of this iconic street celebration. Tracing its origins to 1718 by the French, New Orleans boasts of a multicultural heritage, which is beautifully reflected in the city's architecture, with its artistic wrought iron galleries and pastel coloured buildings seen in the French Quarter, one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods, which is popular with tourists for the myriad experiences it offers. The Spanish influences are evident in the grand plazas and the robust architecture of the Cabildo and the Presbytere. Later, the city embraced American styles, with grand Victorian mansions gracing St Charles Avenue and the Garden District. This city's rich history and diverse cultural influences are woven into its very fabric. You can relive its past at one of the many local art galleries, or plan a trip to its world-class museums, including the National WWII Museum, or even explore its art districts. Those looking to take back a true taste of New Orleans' elegant past can walk through its antique shops, where you can discover old treasures, like a rare piece of French furniture or a vintage jazz record. All in all, New Orleans is a place that you don't just visit – you experience it! It's the few destinations in the world that spells pure celebration and where old-world charm meets vibrant energy. You have to get to New Orleans to experience it and create memories that will last a lifetime! Visit to plan your trip to this vibrant city or click here to Visit The USA
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beyond Bourbon Street: A Whirlwind Week in New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most culturally significant cities in the United States, and it's been on my must-visit list for years, inspired by some of my favorite films (Interview With the Vampire; A Streetcar Named Desire, Princess and the Frog) and L.A. friends who fell in love with it and moved there. Many visit for the revelry of Mardi Gras in February —but the beads, booze and tourists can overshadow some of the city's warmth and are other events to plan trips around, Jazz Fest which just wrapped up, for example, but I chose to go during the French Quarter Festival, which focuses on local music and food. With virtually every major restaurant in the area participating and serving the region's signature dishes — from crawfish and po-boys (Acme Oyster House) to alligator nuggets, beignets (Café Du Monde) and jambalaya — popping in and out of this particular event makes for a multifaceted immersion and sampling of NOLA's cultural mojo, and a week I'll never forget. Whimsical architecture blends French, Spanish and Caribbean styles, from colorful Creole townhouses to charmingly narrow 'shotgun' homes with Victorian touches. Airbnb might be your first thought for a stay, but the hospitality-driven services at area hotels make a getaway feel a bit more special. There are plenty of Vegas-y accommodations here as gambling is legal, Caesars and Boomtown being the most popular. For my trip, the One11 Hotel is a perfect choice. Just outside the French Quarter, the small boutique destination is housed in a century-old former sugar refinery and features exposed brick walls, wood beams and large steel structural bones. Melding its industrial past with its trendy present, it's got a great bar — including happy hour — and continental breakfast in the morning, plus an 8th-floor deck with scenic views of the Mississippi River. New Orleans has always conjured exotic images and alluring activities that piqued my imagination. Voodoo, ghosts, cemeteries, swamps, the bayou, art, music, bars … all are on my to-do list. I start with historic graveyard environments — the Metairie Cemetery, where Vampire author Anne Rice is entombed inside a beautiful stained glass-adorned mausoleum, and the Greenwood Cemetery, featuring an array of historic Civil War monuments. Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau is interred in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the city's oldest, which many consider NOLA's most haunted grounds. Speaking of spooky stuff, voodoo dolls make cute souvenirs, and I snatch some great ones at the Voodoo Museum and Voodoo Authentica, which also sell other mystical merch. In the French Quarter, on Magazine Street and in the Garden District, a host of unique mom-and-pop shops and fascinating exteriors beckon from every corner. A jaunt to the Hotel Saint Vincent reveals a classic Southern Gothic environment and two thematic cocktail spaces, one red-hued and sexy, the other green, bright and friendly. Considered the birthplace of jazz, NOLA might have more musicians per capita than anywhere in the world. For an authentic immersion into its instrumental soul, visit Preservation Hall, where local legends go to jam. In general, though, NOLA residents steer clear of Bourbon Street and go to bars on Frenchman Street. Also in the Garden District, there's Tipitina's famous for Cajun and Zydeco music as well as fais do-do dancing; and the , not far from Tulane University, which also draws a college crowd. There are also street players everywhere, including the French Market, a farmers market for locals and tourists alike with food, art and activities.A visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) reflects the city's spirit as well, with an impressive showcase of international and local works, including, through Aug. 10, 'New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations,' a collection that feels very Mardi Gras-adjacent in terms of costuming and pageantry. I also recommended the on the museum grounds for a lovely and eye-grabbing statue-specked art stroll. When the Super Bowl was at Caesars Superdome (home of the New Orleans Saints) in February, NOLA got a lot of attention, especially for its dining scene. Fanciful French eaterie Lilette is where Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift had a hot date night, so my partner and I follow suit, enjoying the white-tablecloth hotspot's succulent steaks and inviting atmosphere. The next night, the old-school scene at Brennan's in the Quarter is even more my speed. The pink-and-green-schemed restaurant is where the iconic Bananas Foster dessert was invented, and the tableside demo/history lesson is fiery fun. My favorite dining discovery, the Vampire Apothecary, makes for a fanciful lunch, delicious sandwiches and soothing tea drinks amid seductive decor like dried flowers and witchy natural furnishings. NOLA staples like spicy beet-pickled eggs are served with Vampire brand tea to wash it down. Also deserving of note, though I couldn't fit them in this time: Deanie's Seafood in the Quarter for crawfish; , which nurtured chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse and is renowned for its weekend Jazz Brunch and 25-cent martinis on certain weekdays; Antoine's, founded in 1840, the oldest restaurant in the city; and Algiers Central Market, home of the muffaletta, an Italian sandwich made with round sesame seed bread, cured meats, provolone and mozzarella and a tangy olive salad Orleans allows drinking in public, and you'll see a lot of it on Bourbon Street via plastic drinking vessels, often from Pat O'Brien's, which created the notorious Hurricane. (Cannabis, though, is still illegal.) But beyond touristy takeout sippers, a bar tour is a must, whether you're looking for dive vibes or award-winning mixology. Jewel of the South, which won the James Beard Foundation's award for best bar program, is aptly named, while Latitude 29, makes the tastiest tiki drinks in town, as created by the king of tropical cocktails — Beachbum Berry. For down-and-dirty atmosphere, locals love , a dark hovel with a heavy metal soundtrack, with live music and campy themes nightly, and , a gritty and gregarious hangout with a free jukebox that rocks, which is where I end the whirlwind all goes by far too fast, and I still feel like I'm under the city's spell, which is likely to pull me back sooner than later. In the meantime, here are a few more Big Easy bullet points to note for your next trip, below. - Get an up-close and personal look at the local swamps and gators! - Like San Francisco's cable cars, they're an exciting and organic way to travel around the city. (The St. Charles line is the one featured in A Streetcar Named Desire). - Family fun with botanical gardens, rides and National WWII Museum - Everything you ever wanted to see and learn about World War II in one mind-blowing, multi-building facility. - The creamiest sno-cones you'll ever get a brain freeze from, and where all the locals go. Prepare to wait in a long Daiquiris- There are plenty of walk-up outlets, but for a cold buzz in your car, roll though a drive-thru. A version of this story appeared in the May Travel issue of Los Angeles magazine, on stands now. See the photo gallery below for images of everything mentioned above and much more. (Photos 1-14 by Lina Lecaro; photo 15-37 courtesy Visit New Orleans. View the 37 images of this gallery on the original article
