LOUISIANA - Last minute travel specials to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Iberia, Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria.

New Orleans - New Orleans is proud of its well-known nickname, "Big Easy", because it so aptly describes the attitude of this lovely city, steeped in history and intertwining cultures.

The glamorous city of New Orleans had quite an inauspicious beginning. Though founded by French Creoles, she actually began as a crude settlement beset by hurricanes, floods and hostile Indians.

By 1762, Louisiana had been transferred from French to Spanish hands. Thus, New Orleans was in the hands of the Spanish at the time the New England colonies revolted against George III. Following the Louisiana Purchase, more and more Americans came downriver to make their fortunes in New Orleans. During the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson arrived on the scene and defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans - the last battle of the last war ever fought between the U.S. and Great Britain.

Today, New Orleans continues to flourish. It is one of the largest ports in the United States and in the world. Millions of dollars are being spent in development and renovation. Yet, with all the modern innovations, the city retains its Old World aura, carefully preserving its history, its reputation for world-famous jazz and cuisine, and its romantic Creole heritage.

From art galleries and museums to professional sports, from the high life on Bourbon Street to enchanting riverboat cruises, New Orleans offers every visitor hundreds of entertaining and enjoyable destinations. No wonder it's known throughout the world as a city where hospitality never ends!

Baton Rouge - the capital of Louisiana is an exciting blend of sights, sounds and flavors. From its dynamic and diverse musical heritage, to its significant landmarks and museums, Baton Rouge is a fascinating city to explore. From its riverboats, plantations and hospitality, to its Cajun, Creole and Old South cuisine, it excels.

Baton Rouge is 75 miles Northwest of New Orleans via Interstate 10, and is the parish seat of government. Baton Rouge is the key industrial city in the area, and the center of an immense chemical and petroleum complex on the Mississippi River. It is the second largest city in the state, and the fourth largest port city in the nation. Projected population figures show that this progressive city will have a phenomenal growth in future decades.

Nightlife is lively and varied. it ranges from Cajun clubs and country western clubs to concerts (symphonic and popular music). There are Riverboat casinos and dinner cruises. Theater groups maintain a full schedule of excellent offerings throughout the year.

In recent years, a number of new attractions, museums and restaurants have opened much to the delight of visitors from around the world. In the fall of 1999, Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion joins the Old State Capitol, riverboat casinos, the Mall of Louisiana, Bluebonnet Swamp, Alligator Bayou Swamp Tours, and numerous plantation homes in providing visitors with a variety of things to see and do in the Baton Rouge area.

Additionally, several new bed & breakfast inns and 1200 new hotel rooms make it simple, easy and affordable to stay overnight in Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge is home to both Louisiana State University, the state's flagship university and Southern University. The capitol, one of America's most beautiful, is 34 stories, 450 feet in height and surrounded by 27 acres of landscaped grounds. It was constructed in March 1932, at a cost of $5 million. Broad steps of Minnesota granite mark the entrance to the building. From the observation tower, it is possible to see the surrounding country for a distance of 30 miles.

Streets and highways throughout the area are clean, brightly lit and easy to travel. Attractions and historic sites are clearly marked and all have parking facilities.

Baton Rouge is home to some of the finest restaurants in the United States featuring fresh seafood, French, Cajun and Creole and traditional Southern cuisine.

Baton Rouge is fun for families. With plantation homes, swamp tours, a world-renowned zoo, gardens, museums, wildlife centers and an arts and science, there is always something to do and see. With its semi-tropical climate, Baton Rouge is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, tennis or sporting events. Baton Rouge is home to several nationally ranked golf courses designed by the biggest names in the sport and the capital city also offers some of the hottest collegiate sports in the South.

You'll find everything close at hand in Baton Rouge for an unforgettable family vacation.