"Fell in Love with NOLA!" New Orleans by Jennyjump79

I was a little bit concerned about traveling to New Orleans for the American Library Convention less than a year after Katrina, but I'm so glad I went! Most of the bars, restaurants and stores in the Central Business District and the French Quarter are open (and were doing lively business, at least during the convention.) Some bars and restaurants have more limited hours than before Katrina, but the closings are staggered so that there are always plenty of places open. The cemetery tours are up and running, as are most of the streetcars and other tourist attractions. There aren't as many people living there or traveling there as before, but I never felt alone or had trouble meeting locals or fellow tourists while I was there.

As for safety: In the New York area, we heard a lot of news about crime problems and warnings about unsafe conditions. Admittedly, I stayed pretty firmly on the beaten path between the CBD and the French Quarter, but I felt very safe.

Use common sense. Walking alone during the day and evening is fine. If you must walk alone late at night, try to stay reasonably sober and aware of your surroundings, and try not to look like a lost tourist. Or, take a cab. They were reasonable and I never had a problem getting one in the French Quarter, even well after midnight.

• Pros:friendly people, beautiful architecture, great food, laissez-faire attitudes, 24-hour fun
• Cons:limited service hours, damage from Katrina, some unsafe areas, regular flight delays
• In a nutshell:Visit New Orleans soon!