Powdery Beignets, crispy fried chicken, hearty gumbo, and a fruity hurricane – Louisianian food is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s very rare that I travel somewhere and everything I eat is incredible. Usually there are a couple of restaurants or dishes I don’t care for, but not in Louisiana.

Food is a part of Louisiana’s culture and if you visit any time of year there will almost certainly be a festival celebrating the amazing food in this state. Every part of Louisiana has foods they specialize in. New Orleans, for example, has the best beignets and cocktails. If you go more south, you will find Boudin – a type of stuffed sausage and cracklin – fried pork skin.

But for now, we will be focusing on all the mouth-watering, soul-satisfying, taste-bud tantalizing food and drinks you can get in New Orleans. This magical city not only boasts some of the most delicious food on the planet, but they are considered to be the cocktail capital of America. They’ve invented so many boozy concoctions!

After spending 1 1/2 months trying all the food in the city, I have complied a list of 29 of the best foods to try in New Orleans. I mean, I still dream about everything I ate to this day. Oh, and of course where to try them.

Planning a Trip to Louisiana? Check out these other posts!

20 Spooky Things to Do for Halloween in New Orleans
62 Made in Louisiana Gifts: A Local Shopping Guide
27 Unbelievable Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana

Typical Louisianian & Southern Dishes

Red Beans & Rice

This spicy Creole dish is a Louisiana classic, made with red kidney beans, andouille sausage, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and spices. It’s all served up on a bed of fluffy white rice.

Red beans and rice has a long history in Louisiana, and is often associated with Monday nights. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century, when Mondays were traditionally laundry day for many working-class families in New Orleans. The ladies of the house would be scrubbin’ away while the beans cooked low and slow, and then served as a hearty and filling meal for the family at the end of the day.

Where to get it: The best red beans and rice I had in New Orleans was Willie Mae’s Scotch House. They are famous for their fried chicken, so when you order the chicken, make sure to get a side of the red beans and rice.

Address: 2401 St Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70119

Gumbo

Well, y’all best grab a spoon and get ready to slurp up some savory goodness because gumbo is the king of Louisiana cuisine! This hearty stew is a hodgepodge of West African, French, and Spanish cooking traditions.

I am talking about a thick, flavorful broth made from a mixture of flour and fat, with a smorgasbord of seafood, sausage or chicken, and vegetables.

There are a variety of gumbo types, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients. Feeling fancy? Go for the seafood gumbo, packed with shrimp, crab, and oysters. Craving something meatier? The chicken and sausage gumbo is perfect for a chilly night. And for all you veggie lovers out there, there are even vegetarian versions of gumbo with tofu, mushrooms, and eggplant.

Muriel’s is the best place to get Gumbo in New Orleans. Their seafood gumbo is chef’s kiss.

Address: 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Fried Chicken

It’s time to talk about the most finger-lickin’ good dish in all of Louisiana – fried chicken! Some people even think Louisiana has the best fried chicken in the whole country. And I can’t argue with that.

The secret to Louisiana-style fried chicken is in the seasoning – paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper are just a few of the spices that give it that extra oomph. And then, it’s dredged in a magical blend of flour, and cornmeal before taking a dip in a hot tub of oil.

You can find fried chicken just about anywhere in Louisiana – from fancy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall diners. Heck, some places even specialize in the stuff! In Louisiana, fried chicken isn’t just a meal – it’s a way of life.

When I think of the best fried chicken in New Orleans, two places come to mind. Willie Mae’s Scotch House and Dooky Chase.

Willie Mae Scotch House | Address: 2401 St Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70119

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is frying up some seriously good fried chicken. Willie Mae Seaton, the mastermind behind the chicken, learned her skills from her helping her mom in the kitchen. The recipe for this crispy, golden goodness has been passed down through generations of Seaton’s family, and it’s got locals flocking to the joint. These birds are coated in a top-secret blend of spices, then dunked in batter before taking a dip in hot oil. Trust me, it’s clucking delicious!

Dooky Chase | Address: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

If you’re hungry for some seriously good fried chicken, this is the place to come. Not only is the food delicious, but this joint has been a hot spot for civil rights leaders, musicians, and cultural icons over the years. That’s right, everyone from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama has chowed down at Dooky Chase’s.

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that’s a delicious blend of meats, veggies, and rice all cozying up together with spices and herbs.

This dish is a real melting pot, just like the place it comes from! With influences from Spanish and French cultures, as well as African and Native American roots. Everyone does Jambalaya a little differently, but it usually has rice, onions, celery, green bell pepper, and some kind of meaty goodness. You can mix and match with smoked sausage, chicken, shrimp, or anything else you’re craving.

If you are looking for the best Jambalaya in the city, then I suggest The Gumbo Shop. Yes, they also have good gumbo, but the Jambalaya wowed me!

Address: 630 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

Turtle Soup

Turtle soup is a dish that you’re sure to love, but don’t worry! Many places don’t use real turtle anymore, but the soup is still very tasty.

Anyway, this soup is made from turtle meat (or imitation turtle meat), usually from the snapping turtle, and it’s been a beloved delicacy in the state for centuries.

Turtle soup is made with meat, then tossed in a pot with some onions, celery, and other veggies. Finally, simmered with some tomatoes, herbs, and spices until it’s bursting with flavor.

Some turtle soups are made by adding in some sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice for an extra zing. And no soup or stew is complete without a roux to thicken it up.

Now, I know some of y’all might be a little hesitant to try turtle soup, but trust me – it’s a Southern tradition that’s worth the leap. Even President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a fan of this soup.

Brennans has a delectable turtle soup that was recommended to me by tons of locals. I went to the bar and ordered a bowl, and I slurped that bad boy up!

Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Po Boy

The po’ boy is a classic sandwich from Louisiana that has a long history in the state. Legend has it that the po’ boy was created in the late 1920s or early 1930s by two brothers, Benny and Clovis Martin, who owned a restaurant in New Orleans.

During a streetcar strike, the brothers noticed that many of the striking workers were poor and hungry. In an act of kindness, they created a sandwich that was large and filling, but also inexpensive.

The sandwich was made with French bread and filled with fried oysters, shrimp, or roast beef, along with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The sandwich became known as a “po’ boy” after the Martin brothers started calling the striking workers “poor boys” and began selling the sandwich to them for a nickel.

Today, the po’ boy can be found in many variations, including fried chicken, catfish, and even alligator.

The best Po Boy in the city can be found at Mahony’s Po-Boys & Seafood. Their angus pot roast beef po boy is the best on the menu! It comes with tender angus beef knuckle braised in red wine, and garlic, dressed with gravy. I still dream about this sandwich.

Address: 901 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Muffaletta

Legend has it that the Muffaletta was created by Salvatore Lupo, a sandwich genius who owned Central Grocery in the French Quarter way back in 1906.

This bad boy is a hearty sandwich made with a round loaf of Italian bread that’s sliced horizontally and packed with layers of meat, cheese, and a tangy olive salad.

The olive salad is a critical part of the sandwich’s flavor. It’s spread generously on the bread, and the meat and cheese are stacked on top.

And when it’s time to dig in, the sandwich is cut into quarters, making it easy to share with your friends or save for later (if you can resist the temptation to eat it all in one sitting).

If you’re ever in New Orleans, the Muffaletta is a must-try. It’s a sandwich so good, you’ll be dreaming about it for weeks afterwards. Just make sure you have plenty of napkins handy – this sandwich is a messy masterpiece!

Napoleon House has the best Muffaletta in New Orleans. I suggest ordering half a sandwich and a side of red beans and rice.

Address: 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller originated in New Orleans in the late 19th century.

The dish consists of oysters on the half shell that are topped with a mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, butter, and other ingredients, then baked or broiled until the topping is crispy, and the oysters are cooked through.

The exact recipe for Oysters Rockefeller is a closely guarded secret, but it usually includes ingredients like spinach, parsley, celery, onions, garlic, and anise-flavored liqueur such as Pernod or Herbsaint.

The dish is named after John D. Rockefeller, the famous American industrialist and philanthropist, who was one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time the dish was created.

The dish was invented by Jules Alciatore, the chef at Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans. Alciatore was looking for a new dish to serve his customers, and he was inspired by the rich, luxurious lifestyle of the Rockefellers. He created a dish that was rich and flavorful, and named it after the famous family.

To be honest, I am not a fan of this oyster dish, but if you want to try it, I suggest going to Antoine’s for the original recipe.

Address: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Charbroiled Oysters

Charbroiled oysters are made by grilling or broiling fresh oysters on a bed of rock salt or in their own shell, and topping them with a mixture of butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese.

The dish is believed to have been created by Drago Cvitanovich, the owner of Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, in the 1990s. Drago experimented with cooking oysters on an open flame, and found that the high heat brought out the natural flavors of the oysters and gave them a delicious smoky flavor.

Charbroiled oysters have since become a staple of New Orleans cuisine, and can be found on the menu at many seafood restaurants throughout the city. They are typically served as an appetizer, and are often accompanied by French bread or crackers for dipping in the buttery sauce.

Basin Seafood & Spirits had the best charbroiled oysters in my opinion. I went here two times just for this dish!

Address:  3222 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Shrimp & Grits

Shrimp and grits consists of creamy, stone-ground grits topped with plump, juicy Gulf shrimp cooked in a savory sauce or gravy. The dish is often seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices and served with a variety of accompaniments, such as bacon, sausage, green onions, and chopped tomatoes.

New Orleans-style shrimp originated in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, where they were traditionally served as a hearty breakfast dish for plantation workers. The dish eventually made its way to Louisiana, where it was adapted to suit the local taste preferences and ingredients.

Tableau is famous for their shrimp & grits.  I suggest sitting at the bar and eating, especially if you are alone, and then ordering a crème brûlée for dessert! This restaurant is also connected to a Le Petite Theater. They put on Broadway quality performances, so it’s a great place to eat right before seeing a show.

Address: 616 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

All Things Crawfish

These freshwater crustaceans are the pride and joy of Louisiana cuisine and are used in dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and of course boiled crawfish.

Crawfish season is in the spring and early summer, when these little critters come out of hibernation and start munchin’ down. They’re caught in traps or nets and boiled or steamed with spices like cayenne pepper, garlic, and bay leaves to make ’em extra tasty.

They have a sweet and slightly nutty flavor and are often served with corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage in a traditional Louisiana-style crawfish boil. They can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as crawfish pies, bisques, and fritters. And Louisiana even hosts festivals and events year-round to celebrate these little mud bugs.

You can find crawfish being used in so many dishes all over Louisiana, but I have a couple favorite crawfish dishes worth trying in New Orleans.

Lula’s Restaurant & Distillery | Address: 1532 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

The crawfish mac n cheese at Lula’s is to die for. Lula’s is a distillery located in the Garden District, and they sell an array of Cajun food with a twist, but the mac n cheese was definitely my favorite thing I ordered.

Slim Goodies Diner | Address: 3322 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

If you want to try some good crawfish for breakfast, you need to order the Creole Slammer! It’s made with hash browns drowned with crawfish étouffée, eggs, and a biscuit to soak up all that delicious sauce. The portions are massive, so make sure you come hungry!

Seafood Boil

In Louisiana, seafood boil is a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine, and it is often associated with the annual crawfish season in the springtime. Crawfish boils, in particular, are a popular social gathering in Louisiana, where friends and family gather to feast on crawfish, along with other seafood and vegetables.

Seafood boils can include crawfish, shrimp, crab, mussels, clams, or other seafood, along with sausage, and vegetables such as potatoes, and corn on the cob, along with sides such as garlic bread, hushpuppies, or coleslaw.

Boil Seafood House is the place to get a seafood boil. It’s meant to be shared, so expect a lot of food!

Address: 3340 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Desserts

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic dessert in Southern cuisine, and it is particularly associated with Louisiana, where pecans are abundant, and the pie has become a beloved part of the state’s culinary heritage.

One variation of pecan pie that is particularly associated with Louisiana is the addition of Bourbon or other liquors, which adds a depth of flavor and a slight boozy kick to the dessert. Another variation is the use of cane syrup instead of corn syrup, which gives the pie a unique and complex flavor that is characteristic of the state’s sugarcane industry.

Pecan pie is my favorite dessert and if you want to find a delectable pecan pie in New Orleans head to Loretta’s in the French Market! Loretta’s specializes in Pralines, but they make a pretty good miniature pecan pie.

Address: 13 French Market Pl, New Orleans, LA 70116

Snow Ball

A sno-ball is a popular frozen treat in New Orleans. It is similar to a snow cone, but with a finer, fluffier ice texture. Sno-balls are a staple of New Orleans summers and are sold from stands and trucks throughout the city. They are often enjoyed as a refreshing treat on a hot day.

The best place to get a sno-ball is Hansen’s Sno Blitz! They have been serving sno-balls since 1939 and have over 50 flavors!

Address: 4801 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Banana Foster

Bananas Foster is a dessert made with bananas cooked in a brown sugar and butter sauce and flambéed with rum, and often served with vanilla ice cream.

The dish was created in 1951 by Chef Paul Blangé at the legendary Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans. He named it after his friend and regular customer, Richard Foster, who was a local businessman and civic leader. The dish quickly became popular at the restaurant and eventually gained fame beyond New Orleans, becoming a classic American dessert.

If you are going to get Banana’s foster in New Orleans, you have to try the original at Brennan’s. This was one of the best desserts I had in New Orleans.

Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Pralines

Pralines are made from sugar, cream, and pecans and are a beloved confection in New Orleans.

The history of pralines goes back to the early 17th century, when they were first created in France. The original praline was a type of sugared almond, named after the French diplomat and sugar industrialist César, Duke of Praslin.

Over time, the recipe for pralines evolved, and in the early 19th century, French settlers brought the candy to Louisiana where pecans were added to the recipe, which gave the candy a unique flavor and texture.

I was not a fan of pralines. They were way too sweet for me and tasted like pure sugar, but I guess there is a reason people like them so much. If you would like to try some pralines, head to Laura’s Pralines & Candies. I preferred their other confections like Mississippi mud over the pralines, but you should try one and see how you like it.

Address: 331 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Beignets

Beignets originated in France but are commonly associated with New Orleans. They are a deep-fried dough pastry that is a fluffy pillow of powdered sugar heaven and served piping hot.

The beignet was brought to Louisiana by French colonists in the 18th century, and it quickly became a popular food in the state. In New Orleans, beignets were and still are often consumed as a breakfast food, served with café au lait.

I have two favorite places to get Beignets. The first is Café Beignet. I preferred this to Café Du Monde because they always seemed to be significantly less crowded. They have multiple locations, so it’s best to google which one is closest to you.

Address: 334 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The second place I recommend is a coffee shop called The Vintage. They have stuffed beignets with filling such as smores, jam, and during the holidays you can get pumpkin spice!

Address: 3121 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Chantilly Cake

Chantilly cake is multi-layered and filled with a rich Chantilly cream and often topped with fresh berries.

The history of Chantilly cake can be traced back to France. Chantilly cream is named after the Château de Chantilly, a castle located in the northern part of France, where it was first created.

The Chantilly cake, as it is known today, was likely created in the United States in the early 20th century. It is believed that the cake was inspired by French pastry techniques and was brought to the Southern United States by French immigrants.

Today, there are many variations of Chantilly cake, with some recipes including chocolate sponge cake or different types of fruit fillings. Bywater bakery has the best Chantilly cake in the city with 3 types to choose from including lemon, and berry.

Address: 3624 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a popular dessert that is made from puréed sweet potatoes, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. It is often served during holidays, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The history of sweet potato pie can go back to West Africa, where sweet potatoes were first cultivated. Sweet potato pie was brought to the United States by enslaved Africans, who used the sweet potato as a substitute for the yam, which was a staple food in West Africa.

I am not a fan of sweet potato pie (I prefer pumpkin!), but if you want to try it, head to Loretta’s in the French Market. They have a miniature version.

Address: 13 French Market Pl, New Orleans, LA 70116

Doberge Cake

Doberge cake is made with thin layers of cake and a custard filling, which are then covered with a buttercream frosting and a thin layer of fondant.

Doberge cake was first created in the 1930s by Beulah Ledner, a New Orleans baker. Ledner was known for her inventive cakes, and the Doberge cake was one of her most famous creations.

The name “Doberge” is a play on the word “Dobos,” which is a type of Hungarian cake that is also layered with custard and covered in caramel. Ledner adapted the Dobos cake recipe to include local ingredients and flavors, such as pecans and praline filling.

Bakery Bar specializes in Doberge Cake with rotating flavors.

Address: 1179 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Drinks

Absinthe Frappe

The Absinthe Frappé is a refreshing and sweet cocktail that originated in New Orleans, in the late 19th century. Absinthe was a popular spirit in France and other parts of Europe, and it was believed to have hallucinogenic properties.

In the United States, absinthe became popular in New Orleans, particularly among the city’s French and Creole populations. The Absinthe Frappé was invented as a way to enjoy the spirit in a refreshing and cooling cocktail during the city’s hot and humid summers.

The recipe for the Absinthe Frappé is relatively simple. It’s made with absinthe, sugar syrup, and water, which are then poured over crushed ice and mixed together until the drink is chilled and frothy.

And the best and only place to get this cocktail is at The Old Absinthe House where it was invented.

Address: 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Cafe Brulot

Café Brûlot is a hot and spicy coffee-based cocktail made with coffee, brandy, orange peel, cinnamon, and other spices, and it is often served as a dessert or after-dinner drink.

Café Brûlot goes back to the early 1900s, when it was first created by French-Creole chefs in New Orleans. The drink was inspired by the traditional French beverage known as Café Brûlot diabolique, which is made with coffee, brandy, and spices.

The chefs in New Orleans adapted the recipe to include local ingredients and flavors, such as orange peel, cinnamon, and cloves. They also added a theatrical element to the preparation of the drink, which involves lighting the alcohol on fire and letting it burn off before adding the coffee and spices.

The only place to get a cafe brulot these days is Arnaud’s. It’s so much fun to watch them make it.

Address: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

The Sazerac

The Sazerac is a classic cocktail which includes rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and sugar.

The Sazerac was created in the 1830s, when a New Orleans apothecary named Antoine Amedie Peychaud began serving a mixture of brandy, bitters, and sugar in a small egg cup. He called it the “Sazerac,” after the brand of brandy he used in the recipe.

Over time, the recipe for the Sazerac evolved to include rye whiskey instead of brandy, and absinthe was added as a final touch to give the drink a unique flavor and aroma. Peychaud’s bitters, which are made with a proprietary blend of herbs and spices, remained a key ingredient in the cocktail.

You can order a Sazarac in pretty much every restaurant and bar in New Orleans, and after trying a bunch of places, my favorite was Court of Two Sisters.

Address: 613 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Pimms Cup

Pimm’s Cup originated in England in the mid-19th century, but it has become a popular drink in New Orleans. The drink is made with Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur that is flavored with a secret blend of herbs, fruits, and spices. The liqueur is mixed with lemonade, soda water, and a variety of fresh fruits, such as cucumber, orange, and strawberry, to create a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.

If you are looking for a perfect Pimm’s Cup, head to Napoleon House.

Address: 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Brandy’s Milk Punch

Brandy’s milk punch is made with brandy, milk, sugar, and a variety of flavorings, such as vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Some variations may also include other spirits, such as bourbon or rum, and different types of milk, such as cream or half-and-half.

It dates back to the early 19th century, when the drink was a popular morning beverage among the city’s Creole population. It was often served as a “pick-me-up” after a night of drinking, or as a soothing remedy for a variety of ailments.

If you plan on heading to Brennan’s for a banana’s foster, you might as well order milk punch while you’re at it because they make the best!

Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Hurricane

The Hurricane is a sweet and fruity cocktail that is typically made with rum, passion fruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup or grenadine, and it is often served over ice in a tall, hurricane-shaped glass.

The Hurricane was invented in the 1940s at Pat O’Brien’s, a popular bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans. At the time, the bar had a surplus of rum and was looking for a new cocktail to feature the spirit. The owners came up with the Hurricane, which was named after the hurricane lamps that were used to decorate the bar.

Today, the Hurricane is one of the most famous cocktails in New Orleans, and it is mostly associated with the city’s vibrant nightlife and party culture.

Although you could go to Pat O’Brien’s to get the original drink, I recommend heading to Peychaud instead. Pat O’Brien’s makes the cocktail with sugary juice, while Peychaud uses real fruit, and the difference in taste is drastic.

Address: 727 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Ramos Gin Fizz

The Ramos Gin Fizz is a frothy and creamy drink that is made with gin, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, cream, egg white, and orange flower water.

The drink was created by Henry C. Ramos, who owned a bar in New Orleans called the Imperial Cabinet Saloon. The recipe was originally designed to be a variation on the gin fizz, which was a popular drink at the time. However, Ramos’ version of the drink became so popular that it soon became known simply as the Ramos Gin Fizz.

The drink’s popularity reached its peak in the early 20th century, when Ramos hired a team of “shaker boys” to shake the drink for several minutes to create the signature frothy texture. The process was so time-consuming that it often took numerous bartenders to keep up with the demand for the drink.

The Sazarac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel is the best place to get a ramos gin fizz. I am not a fan of gin, but was a fan of this cocktail.

Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112

Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is known for its sweet, minty flavor and bright green color. It is made with equal parts green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream.

It was invented in the early 20th century in New Orleans in a bar called Tujague’s. The drink’s sweet and creamy flavor made it a popular choice for dessert or after-dinner drinks, and it became particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

You have to get a grasshopper at the original place – Tujague’s. I love the taste of mint anything, so this is one of my all-time favorite cocktails.

Address: 429 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Planning a Trip to Louisiana? Check out these other posts!

20 Spooky Things to Do for Halloween in New Orleans
62 Made in Louisiana Gifts: A Local Shopping Guide
27 Unbelievable Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana

Was this article helpful to you? Well, go ahead and save it by pinning it, so you can reference it later on.

Travel Resources

First off, if you want to browse all my favorite travel resources, check out my Travel Resources page.

Trip Planning: I have put together the ultimate trip planning guide that will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

Book your Flight: Check out Skyscanner and Momondo! They can have great deals. Airfarewatchdog is also a favorite of mine. I get notified by email every time there is a good deal from my local airport.

Book your Transportation: Wanderu is usually where I check first. They check hundreds of different transportation companies all over the world and find you either the best bus or train deal. Flixbus is one of my favorite cheap options for Europe. The buses generally aren’t too bad, and they go to most countries around Europe. It’s the perfect option for short distances. Train travel is my favorite mode of transportation, and I always use Rail Europe to book my tickets. The Eurail pass makes Europe train travel super affordable.

Book your Accommodation: I created a platform called Just Wndr that allows you to find and book hotels for up to 70% off! All you have to do is sign up with your email, and then you have access to thousands of hotel deals for a fraction of what you would pay on other booking sites. On a budget and looking for cheap accommodation? Hostelworld is my preferred site to book cheap and reliable hostels. Hotwire has a fun mystery to it. It’s a great site to use for last-minute bookings. They don’t actually tell you the name of the hotel when you are browsing. You will just get the area of the city it’s in, the price, and how many stars it has. I love the surprise aspect of it!

Book your Travel Insurance: Getting travel insurance is such a crucial part of preparing for a trip. You never know what could happen and why take the risk? Before I travel anywhere, I always book my insurance through Safety Wing.

Book your Activities: Now, you have planned all the logistics, time to think about what you will do once you get to your destination! These are a few of my favorite trip planning sites. I always use Get Your Guide when I am looking for tours. I have booked cooking classes, day tours and so much more through them and absolutely love the immense selection they offer in cities all over the world! Pinterest is great to get travel inspiration and plan an upcoming trip or share inspo with friends and family. I use Trip Advisor to plan itineraries for what I want to see & do in each city. I also use them to read reviews on restaurants and hotels too.

Store Your Luggage: Do you have a long layover or a late flight and need to store your luggage? Luggage Hero has got you covered. You can book luggage storage in more than 35 cities worldwide for as little as $1 an hour or $8 for the day.