Stemming the spill
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Great News! Some of the commercial fishing bans have now been lifted, allowing some fishermen to return to work!
Trip Highlights:
For all solo travellers looking to make real difference and help out on such an important project, we are running a special solo travelers trip on the 10th to the 16th of October
- Get to know the people of New Orleans and hear their stories, as you interact meaningfully with them through a taste of volunteering
- Feel good through helping people affected by the oil spill in a tangible way
- Expert local guides who brings the history of New Orleans to life
- Explore the vibrant French Quarter and the charming Garden District
Your Taste of Volunteering Project:
You can help people affected by the oil spill:
- Construct oil spill containment booms that will help to minimize the damage done by the spill by soaking up oil and stop the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico from spreading. Booms can be made from everyday materials like hair, animal fur, and pantyhose/nylons (so if you have allergies to pet hair and/or dander it is best to avoid this project); or
- Help applicants affected by the disaster with filling out paperwork; or
- Sort and pack food that will be sent out to communities affected by the oil spill - Please Note: Due to popular demand this activity is no longer available for the summer.
A $100 donation is included in your trip price to help people affected by this disaster.
Suggested Itinerary Trip Summary
As if the damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina five years ago was not bad enough, the oil spilling out in the Gulf of Mexico is another huge set-back.
The oil spill is threatening the fish and seafood that many families depend on to earn their living. A commercial and recreational fishing ban is currently in effect in some areas, and fishermen are signing up for food assistance so that they will be able to feed their families until they can find other work.
As part of your vacation in New Orleans, whilst staying in a 4* hotel in the French Quarter throughout, you can spend four days in a tangible, hands-on way to make things easier for these families and individuals.
Your trip is rounded out with a half-day tour of New Orleans French Quarter and Garden District with an expert local guide, and you have a day free to explore on your own, perhaps heading out to the plantations to gain insights into the days of slavery, or into Cajun country and the swamp whilst it is still open to the public, or we can arrange a tour for you into areas being rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina.
As well as our normal trips we are also running this trip exclusively for solo travelers from Oct 10-16 
Places of Interest
French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré - or simply as the “Quarter” to locals, is fortunate to sit on some of the highest ground in New Orleans. It is the city’s cultural hub and a community where the pace slows and residents reminisce with neighbors about times gone by and welcome visitors in the streets.
French Quarter architecture is a blend of Spanish, French, Creole and American styles. There are walled courtyards, reminiscent of Spain, cast iron balconies inspired by Baroness Pontalba and plentiful porches that make the Quarter a great place for people-watching.
Vieux Carré is far more than just interesting architecture. Visit eclectic shops dotted around the streets, savor great and varied food, explore the French Market, shade yourself in Jackson Square, and nibble on a muffellata at Central Grocery.
The Garden District
Then visit the “Garden District” with its spacious eye-catching gardens and elegant homes. Laid out in 1806 by Barthelemy Lafon it is a beautiful system of interrelated parks with basins, fountains and canals. Some of the stately homes still bear the names of the families that built them over a century ago, and official flags designating Mardi Gras Royalty are a common sight here during Carnival season.
This old-world corner of New Orleans even hides an Irish barber, who offers Guinness and whiskey with his hot towel shaves. Perhaps it is to settle the nerves when faced with the prospect of a cut throat razor?
Note of Caution:
Crude oil is toxic and should only be handled if properly equipped and trained. As tempting as it may be to help that stranded oil soaked bird, it is best to notify the authorities so they can deal with any issues safely.
On the other hand, according to NOAA, tar balls DO NOT pose a health risk to the average person. However, beachgoers are advised not to pick them up if they encounter them on the beach and are asked to report any sightings by calling 866-448-5816. To read NOAA's information about the tar balls, click here.
Official information is being posted and updated several times each day at http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com and http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/
Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries about this trip.
With one person booking, please contact us for the price of your trip.
