Is it OK to travel to New Orleans now ?

Question

Is it OK to travel to New Orleans now ? I heard that most of the area is still destroyed, and that there is a horrible stench (smell) in the air

Answer 1

I just got back from New Orleans yesterday. I had an amazing time.We were there for weekend trip, and stayed at the Courtyard in Metarie. Our first night we walked Bourbon St. and had some drinks and ate a nice dinner at the Clovergrill (the best burgers!!!). The next day we went to Harrah's ( if you play for 30 mins you get to park for 24 hours free) then walked to the Aquarium of the Americas and saw the animals, after that we walked to Jackson Square and ate at Cafe Du Monde, then walked down to the French Market. Later that night we went back to Bourbon St. The whole time going from the hotel to the French Quarter we drove through the Garden District.
Overall the parts that I saw that were the "tourist" areas were up and running and I didn't smell anything bad. When we drove home on 10 you could look down from the overpasses and see things that were still destroyed.
The people were the nicest I've ever run across. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.
To only thing to look out for is the roads(which are laid out in a confusing manner and are full of pot holes and some are missing street signs) and the drivers(many red light runners.)
I would have no problem going back again.

Answer 2

Yes most was destroyed, yes some of it is fuctioning again at some level. New Orleans took hundreds of years to build and just can't be restored this quick. Because frist all most agree on a plan before anything can go forward and then you have two jobs as you must tare down then rebuild. So no it will not be the same ever as the local tax base is gone and the rest of the country has better things money could be used for

Answer 3

You are free to travel to New Orleans the only areas that may have a stench is the 9th ward and the New Orleans East close to Chalmette. People tend to talk about things that they hear and not know.

Go down to New Orleans and check it out it is not has bad as people think and say.

Answer 4

Much of the city is still destroyed, but not the areas tourists would usually go.

New Orleans could really use your toursist dollars right now. You'd be helping to preserve one of the most interesting cities in the world, and certainly a unique one. And you won't have to worry about the crowds you would normally have to contend with.

My family still lives in New Orleans. While they have had to make adjustments, no question, they manage just fine. The same can be said for any tourists visiting the city.

Have fun.

Answer 5

I just got back from there on Monday and let me tell you....the Quater is great...as always. People are nice and the entertainment factor is still there (and the smell will never go away). But we did want to take a look at the devastation first hand (my boyfriends sister lives there and was our own personal guide). We went into the 9th ward and I felt like I was in the war zone. I couldn't believe that after almost 1 YEAR that nobody has been able to make a decision on what to do. From what I've gathered by talking to people and reading is that it's up to each individual owner to decide what they want to do with their house. Unfortunately not a lot of people have returned nor do they have the money to pay for things to be fixed, plus why would you want to rebuild when they can't even figure out how to fix the levies (sp)? I personally was shook to the core and remained speechless most of the car ride. Houses are marked on the outside as to what was found on the inside and outside (I saw one that said "one dead body in attic). You truely cannot grasp what happened until you see it first hand. Go down there, they have tours. You must see it with your own eyes. You too will be furious at the people that need to make a decision.
But yes, do go, have fun, bring the life back to the city! Gamble, drink, eat and have fun. I ate at many great places try these:
Gordon Biersch (across from Harrahs)
Port of Call (on the outskirt on the Quater on Esplande, known for their burgers and baked potatoes, believe the wait is worth it)
Most importantly have fun!

Answer 6

I just got back from NOLA this past wednesday. We stayed in the quarter, but didn't leave that area. the french quarter is still alive.

new orleans needs the tourists. help them out. it's the best thing you can do.... win-win situation. you put money into the local economy and you get a nice vacation/good time.

Answer 7

Yes its perfectly safe to travel to new orleans.I am an indian and my mother is on a trip to new orleans since 21 june.so believe me its absolutely safe to travel to new orleans.Some of the area is destroyed but the main city and the tourist areas are back to normal.so go ahead with your trip.

Answer 8

It's ok to travel here. As long as you stay in the touristy areas. That stench has always been here. Not so bad though.

Answer 9

yes ! .. i live 30 min north of N.O .. and travel there every weekend for entertainment.. its perfectly coo to go back to.. and much to do.. all the French Quarter has been up and running.. and most of the tourists areas.. the main areas that got destroyed were the lower parts... mostly houses that u wont see unless you make the effort to go out and look for yourself

Answer 10

just came back from there it is very depressing ,the east is still in the dark ,trailers everywhere.just is not the same as when i lived there.apartments still destroyed very sad,
not sure when the french quarter closes but everything else does even on the northshore.no where to eat after 10pm.