New Orleans Travel Forum

Does anyone have any advice in travleing to Lousiana? I have heard from many LA natives that is not really safe to travel and sightsee right now. I am thinking of driving to see Avery Island and St.Francisville in March. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I'm a Louisiana native, and I don't know what they're talking about. New Orleans isn't completely safe, but it's never been so.
You'll be absolutely fine just driving around, particularly to rural areas like Avery Island and St Francisville. The tourist sections of New Orleans, particularly the French Quarter, are generally safe. It's like any city, where you need to not be stupid.
What you do depends on what you like. You're obviously heading out of New Orleans, which is nice to hear, because many seem to think that New Orleans = Louisiana.
Do a swamp boat tour. There are some near New Orleans, but I think the Atchafalaya ones, which launch from near I-10 between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, are better. However, you'll have to drive to those, whereas the ones near New Orleans will often pick you up at your hotel.
Drive the River Road and check out the plantation homes. Many have tours.
Lots of music- and food-related festivals. It depends on when you're going though, because most occur in the summer.
Lots of wildlife-related things to see as well, particularly with birds.
Have a look at the Louisiana tourism web site for more ideas: http://www.louisianatravel.com/

We found Louisiana to be fine when we were there in Dec 08. We hired a car & drove to the plantations, Laura was the best & Did Dr.Wagner's swamp tour at Honey Island. We also spent two days wandering around the French Quarter without any signs of trouble.From what I understand some parts of New Orleans are a bit dodgy but if you stick to the main attraction areas & let common sense prevail you won't have any trouble either. We Stayed at the Ritz Carlton on the edge of the French Quarter & couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Hope you have a great time.

Simply agreeing with both bocmaxima and johnfromoz. I am curious since, like bocmaxima, I am wondering exactly what people are telling you, especially with reference to "right now". I can't think of any reason that might make travel to Avery Island be any different than any other springtime.

As suggested, you can't beat spending the day at a Louisiana festival! In March:

Washington Catfish Festival (Washington, Louisiana is very serious about driving the speed limit, by the way) March 12-15
http://www.townofwashingtonla.com/catfish.htm

Iowa Rabbit Festival - March 20-22
http://iowarabbitfestival.org/

World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off - March 29

And more - the Amite Oyster Festival, the Nursery Festival, etc.:
http://www.laffnet.org/march_fairs_and_festivals.htm