Where to Crash Between the Bayou and the Bayou City: A Survival Guide
So, you're planning a road trip from the vibrant, music-filled chaos of New Orleans to the sprawling, oil-rich metropolis of Houston. That's a bold move, friend. You're basically going from Bourbon Street to NASA in one fell swoop. But let's talk about the part of your journey that might be the real test of your endurance: where to stay in between.
The Great In-Between
Now, I won't sugarcoat it - the stretch between NOLA and H-Town isn't exactly brimming with world-class accommodations. You're not going to find any five-star resorts here. But fear not, intrepid traveler! There are still some decent options to help you survive the night.
Small-Town Charm or Highway Hell?
Your first decision is whether you want to embrace the small-town charm of Louisiana or simply power through to Houston. If you're looking for a taste of local life, places like Lafayette or Baton Rouge offer a decent mix of hotels and motels. Just be prepared for the occasional crawfish boil and a whole lot of zydeco.
On the other hand, if you're more of a "get me there in one piece" kind of person, you might want to stick to the major highways and look for chain hotels. These places might lack character, but at least you know what you're getting.
Where to Avoid (Unless You're Feeling Adventurous)
Now, let's talk about the places you might want to skip. I'm not saying they're terrible, but there are probably better options out there.
- Jennings, Louisiana: Home to the Gator Chateau, a place where you can apparently hold a baby alligator. If that's your idea of a good time, more power to you.
- Any Random Exit: Unless you're a gambling person, I wouldn't recommend pulling over at the first random exit you see. You might end up in a town with one gas station and a whole lot of nothing else.
Tips for Survival
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak travel times, hotels can fill up fast.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews before booking to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Pack Snacks: You never know when you'll be stuck in the middle of nowhere with limited food options.
- Bring Entertainment: Long drives can be boring, so make sure you have something to keep you occupied.
- Embrace the Road Trip Mentality: Lower your expectations and enjoy the journey.
How to...
- How to find cheap hotels? Use booking websites and compare prices.
- How to avoid traffic? Check real-time traffic updates and plan your route accordingly.
- How to stay awake while driving? Take breaks, drink coffee, and listen to upbeat music.
- How to find good food on the road? Look for local diners and truck stops.
- How to make the most of your road trip? Plan stops at interesting attractions along the way.