Taking a Solo Trip Requires Careful Planning
Not only do you have to figure out your own lodging and airfare as a solo traveler, but figuring out the logistics of getting from point A to B can be daunting and tedious. Especially as a woman, you have to consider your safety as your number one priority in all circumstances.
Traveling alone makes you vulnerable, but if you have a plan, and you look like you know what you’re doing, you will lessen your chances of looking like a target. If you are planning a solo trip to New Orleans, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, but just know that New Orleans is not as scary as it seems. In fact, we believe New Orleans is one of the best solo travel destinations in the world for many reasons, one of them being it’s easy to get around.
So, to help you out, here are a few tips on getting around the city both safely and easily:
Take the Streetcar
While not the quickest means of getting around, hopping on one of New Orleans iconic streetcars is the perfect way to take in the city. The streetcars do not run on a consistent schedule, so make sure to plan at least an afternoon riding the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar towards Uptown or the Canal Street line up to City Park or the Museum. A one way ticket is $1.25 and a day pass is $3. Make sure you bring cash because drivers do not take credit cards. The streetcars, as well as the cabs, run 24 hours per day. On average, you should expect a streetcar to pass on the St. Charles line about every 15-20 minutes.
Rent a car
There are plenty of car rental services in New Orleans. While the independence of renting a car and not having to wait for a shuttle or finding a taxi may be tempting, in New Orleans you should consider a couple of other factors before renting a car. The first is parking, it's not always easy to find a spot and it's not always cheap to park here. Second, you may not really need a car. You can get to most of the popular places and historic sites without a car.
If you are visiting during a busy time such as Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras, you need to know the parking rules and laws, for instance, you must part at least 20 - 30 feet from the corner, or you will be ticketed- or worse - towed!
I’ve ridden pedicabs in New Orleans, Charleston, NYC, and Hanoi!
Take a Taxis, Rideshares or Pedicabs
The taxis work pretty much the same here as they do anywhere else in the country and they are easy to hail in the French Quarter. A taxi ride to and from the airport to the Central Business District (CBD) is $33 for one or two people, $14 for each additional person. Ubers and Lyft are both in the city and are both an affordable and reliable option. Pedicabs can be found all over the world! They are a fun way to get around efficiently while absorbing the city. Pedicabs are plentiful in the French Quarter and somewhat in the Warehouse District as well!
Walk or Ride a Bike
Walking and biking are other great options, but be sure to stick to main streets, especially if walking. While some of our public transportation schedules aren’t as robust as some other places, our routes are extensive and allow access to parts of the city that otherwise wouldn’t be reachable for most visitors.
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Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
Every female solo traveler is different when it comes to exploring a city alone at night. Some are reluctant to leave the comfort of their hotel, others are eager to hit the town, and some want to be out and about, but don’t want to drink alcohol. Our list of 7 things to do at night as a solo traveler in New Orleans has something to suit every preference!