New Orleans Travel Insurance Plan

No, a travel insurance plan is not required for your trip to New Orleans. Still, having a travel insurance plan can help with some of the unexpected headaches that come with travel which may include delays, interruptions, cancellations and lost baggage. With Travel Guard, you can file a claim for reimbursement on certain losses and get access to our 24/7 assistance services team who can help you through potential travel issues.

For many travelers looking for coverage, our Preferred Plan is a great place to start since it has comprehensive coverage and optional add-ons that can help you customize your plan to fit your unique travel needs. On the Preferred Plan, you’ll receive standard coverages like Trip Cancellation, Trip Delay, Missed Connection and Baggage Coverage plus you can customize with our range of coverage bundles – from our Wedding Bundle to increased benefit limits with our Baggage Bundle. For the highest benefit limits and access to concierge services, our Deluxe Plan may be the right choice for you. You may find concierge services especially helpful for your trip to New Orleans because there are so many restaurants and activities to choose from, so having someone to provide recommendations and book reservations can give you the freedom to explore the city without the mental tax of planning.

In general, a travel insurance plan is usually priced between 5-7% of your total trip cost. However, factors which may include the product you select, length of your trip and the number of people in your travel party can affect the total cost of your trip coverage. Learn more about pricing by reading our article on how much travel insurance plans cost or get a quote in as little as two minutes to price out your travel insurance coverage.

To help travelers prepare for their trip to New Orleans, we’ve gathered some of the most popular questions asked by tourists.

The vibrant and diverse culture of New Orleans is well-known, and so are the city’s struggles with crime. However, much of the city’s violent crime occurs outside of popular tourist areas, and travelers can help to mitigate risks with careful research and planning.

One of the primary concerns for travelers to New Orleans is petty crime, including pickpocketing, theft of unattended items and vehicle break-ins. These incidents are common in popular tourist areas such as the French Quarter – especially on Bourbon Street – Uptown and the Warehouse District. Violent crime, including carjacking, assaults, armed robberies and shootings, does occur in New Orleans. Although risks are generally lower in tourist zones, incidents have occurred in locations frequented by travelers, including in and near the French Quarter.

Some areas of the city that are relatively safe during the day may be much riskier after dark. For example, travelers often visit the historic Treme neighborhood during the day, but it is best to avoid the area at night. Other tourist sites should be visited with a reputable local tour guide due to crime risks. New Orleans’ cemeteries, for instance, are popular with sightseers but robberies and muggings occasionally occur in these locations.

Travelers should stay vigilant at all times and should not wear expensive jewelry or carry designer bags. Visitors should also avoid carrying large amounts of cash and should not keep cash and cards in the same place. Items such as phones and wallets should be kept in front pockets. When exploring the city, it is best to travel in groups. Isolated or poorly-lit locations, even in tourist areas, should be avoided, especially after dark. If enjoying New Orleans’ nightlife, travelers should do so responsibly to minimize crime and safety risks. Avoid leaving drinks unattended and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers.

Tourist scams are prevalent in New Orleans. Engaging with street vendors, street performers, individuals who offer trinkets or drinks or overly friendly strangers can often result in a demand for payment. Visitors should avoid interactions and continue walking. Any tours should be booked in advance through reputable providers.

Crime risks, as well as risks of terrorism or other opportunistic attacks, are elevated during holiday celebrations and major events like Mardi Gras. Areas with large crowds may be targeted, as was the case during the early morning hours of New Year’s Day in 2025, when an assailant drove a vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street before engaging in a shootout with police officers. If visiting during an event or a major holiday, be aware of your surroundings and immediately report anything suspicious to authorities. Consider using location-sharing services to keep travel companions and trusted contacts at home informed and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.

Public transportation, including buses and streetcars, are available in New Orleans, but these services may be less efficient than taxis or rideshare services. They should also be avoided after dark due to crime concerns. Many tourist areas are walkable, but visitors should use taxis and rideshares even for short distances at night. To help avoid overcharging, book taxis through an app instead of hailing them on the street and negotiate fares in advance. Driving in New Orleans is not recommended, as road conditions and drivers may be unpredictable. Tourist areas generally have poorly maintained, narrow streets with lots of pedestrians, and parking fees are expensive. Travelers who do choose to drive should travel with doors locked and windows up at all times, as carjacking is a concern in some locations. Vehicle theft and vehicle break-ins are also common, so vehicles should be parked in secure areas with no belongings left inside, including in the trunk.

Finally, New Orleans is located below sea level and is susceptible to hurricanes and flooding. Travelers should stay informed about weather conditions, especially during hurricane season, and should have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Any instructions issued by local authorities during an emergency should be followed. Visitors should also consider downloading the NOLA Ready Public Safety App to receive official emergency alerts when traveling.

Since New Orleans is in the state of Louisiana, it’s no surprise that the official currency is the U.S. Dollar so you won’t need to worry about exchanging money. However, you may want to bring cash with you for your trip to help with tipping and avoid ATM surcharges.

English is the most common language spoken in New Orleans, though travelers are likely to hear Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole used as well.

No, travel to New Orleans is considered domestic travel which means you do not need a visa or passport to enter the state of Louisiana.

New Orleans is in the United States, so there is no embassy contact. However, if you need help while you’re traveling with a Travel Guard travel insurance plan, you can contact our specially trained representatives 24/7 for emergency travel assistance.

The weather in New Orleans doesn’t have a dry season, instead you’ll find the city can be rainy and cloudy throughout the year. Summer in Louisiana is hot, humid and long with temperatures getting as high as 97°F. In contrast, winter is much shorter and cooler with average temperatures around 47°F.

The best time to visit New Orleans will depend on what you’re looking to enjoy. Typically, the best weather for travelers happens in the spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. However, New Orleans is famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations that happen as early as January, with Fat Tuesday, the biggest event of the year, typically occurring in February. Since the date depends on when Easter falls, be sure to check your calendar before booking any plans.

New Orleans uses the same dial code of +1 as the rest of the U.S. but you will need to enter the area code of 504 to reach numbers in the area.

You will not need to bring an adapter or transformer for your electronics since the outlet and voltage types are the same as the rest of the U.S.

Yes, Amtrak offers travelers a route to New Orleans from various cities in the U.S. like New York City, Chicago, Seattle and Atlanta.

The French Quarter of New Orleans is the most popular place for tourists to visit and stay within the city. This is because there are so many different activities to experience and enjoy like historic walking tours, museums, live entertainment and a variety of cuisines to dine on.

Because the night life of New Orleans is so popular, you may underestimate the versatility of the city. This is to say that New Orleans is a great destination for travelers of all ages. Families will be able to find kid-friendly locations like the Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Zoo and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Travel to New Orleans can be pricy if you don’t plan and budget in advance. You can save money on your trip by utilizing public transportation, pre-planning restaurants and meals, avoiding tourist traps and enjoying free or affordable activities like walking tours.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers heading to the New Orleans. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!