The Cajun cooking, steamy weather, and French colonial history blend together to create a party atmosphere with a southern twang. Live zydeco and jazz, played in Bourbon Street bars, can pacify even the crankiest of travelers. And while much local food can only be described as American creole, at La Petite Grocery the art of mixing local spices with French cooking has been perfected. To get an intimate feel in this bustling city, stay at the Hubbard Mansion, an inn with a wraparound porch. Stroll down the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets,walk past the Garden District mansions, and, for a fright, take a voodoo and cemetery tour. Sports fans can check out the horse races.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen doesn’t feel far outside the U.S., despite being hundreds of miles from the border, and the cozy Hotel Lunata may have Spanish-tiled floors, but the staff speaks perfect English. Unlike Cancun, which is 40 miles to the north, Playa del Carmen isn’t a strip-mall party spot, so replace those images of messy tequila shots with visions of frosty beers and mixed drinks. To get a feel for the country, step off the main drag and into the generally welcoming Mexican community.
Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Cobá, and sail to the island of Cozumel to dive one of the world’s largest coral reefs. Then return to Playa del Carmen, grab a bite of Canadian fare cooked with Mexican spices at Media Luna, sink into the sand, and relax with a Piña Colada.