New Orleans - Prepare

Pack aspirin and Pepto-Bismol. The New Orleans party scene plays havoc on the human body.

Kick off the year's celebrations with the Allstate Sugar Bowl football classic (Jan). Book well ahead to join the annual Mardi Gras (Feb). Join the debate at the Tennessee Williams – New Orleans Literary Festival and Writers' Conference (Mar-Apr) and dance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Apr-May) and Satchmo SummerFest (Aug). Celebrate Cajun culture at the Swamp Festival (Nov).

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Martin Luther King Day (15 Jan), Presidents' Day (19 Feb), Good Friday (Apr/May), Easter (Apr/May), Memorial Day (May), Independence Day (4 Jul), Labour Day (Sep), Veterans' Day (11 Nov), Thanksgiving (Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec).

Hurricane season is from May to November. The melting months of June, July and August are also rainy season, with temperatures sizzling at 32°C or more. Bars and hotels keep air-conditioning high – so take a jacket even on sweltering days. Winter is cooler (6°C -17°C).

110 volts AC, 50Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+1 (USA), 504 (New Orleans).

US dollar ($) is the currency.

GMT -6 (GMT -5 in summer).

New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau website

Wear party beads in Bourbon Street and dress up for the best restaurants, such as Antoine's. However, most of the time you'll fit in best in casual attire.