Everyone thinks Mardi Gras means New Orleans. We are going to show you the three celebrations the locals actually talk about. Mobile, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
Here is something most people do not know. Mardi Gras in America did not start in New Orleans. It started in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703, and Mobile has been celebrating longer than anyone else on the continent.
Mobile's Mardi Gras is a family affair. Big parades, marching bands, moon pies flying off the floats, and not a bit of the rowdiness people picture when they hear the words. You can stand on the parade route with your grandkids and never think twice about it.
From there we head west into Louisiana. Baton Rouge brings its own parade tradition and the Spanish Town celebration that the whole city turns out for. Then Lafayette, deep in Cajun country, where Mardi Gras comes with accordion music, boudin, and a warmth that is hard to describe until you are standing in it.
We fly in and out of New Orleans and travel between cities by motorcoach, so you get the region without the drive. Eight days, three celebrations, and a whole lot of beads.
We are running this one two ways. There is a ladies-only departure, just us, the way our getaways usually go. And there is a departure open to everyone, so you can bring your husband, your partner, a friend, or the whole family. Same itinerary, same parades, same everything. Tell me which one you want when you reserve.
Where it all began, 1703
The oldest Mardi Gras celebration in America, and the most family-friendly of the three. Marching bands, elaborate floats, moon pies by the armful, and a downtown that knows exactly how to throw a parade.
Deep into Louisiana
Baton Rouge brings the Spanish Town tradition and a capital city that shows up in force. Lafayette brings Cajun country to the party, with zydeco, boudin, and the kind of hospitality that ruins you for anywhere else.
Fly into New Orleans, where the motorcoach is waiting, then east along the Gulf Coast to Mobile, Alabama. Settle in and get your bearings in the city where American Mardi Gras started back in 1703.
Three parades over two days: the Order of LaShe's, the Order of Olympia, and the Mystic Stripers Society, all with reserved viewing. In between, the Mobile Carnival Museum, the USS Alabama Battleship, and Bellingrath Gardens. This is the family-friendly end of Mardi Gras, and it is a joy.
West into Louisiana for the Spanish Town Parade, the one the whole city turns out for, complete with its pink flamingos. Also a hands-on king cake class, the Old State Capitol, dinner at TJ Ribs, and time in downtown Baton Rouge.
Lafayette for the finish, and it is the best of the three. The Krewe of Bonaparte Lundi Gras Parade, then the King Gabriel, Queen Evangeline, and Independent parades. Plus Vermilionville Living History Village and a Cajun dinner with live music.
Back to New Orleans for the flight home, with a suitcase of beads and a completely different idea of what Mardi Gras means.
Order of days and parades is set by each city's Mardi Gras schedule and may shift. Full detailed itinerary available on request.
You choose. We are running two departures on this one. The ladies-only departure is just us. The open departure welcomes husbands, partners, friends, and family. Both follow the same itinerary, and you tell me which you want when you reserve.
Usually, yes, as long as there is room in the one you want to move to. Call me sooner rather than later, since the ladies-only group tends to fill first.
Not at all, and that is the whole point. Mobile, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette celebrate Mardi Gras the way it was meant to be. Parades, bands, floats, food, and families lining the streets. You will not find the French Quarter crowd here.
No. You book your own flights in and out of New Orleans, so you can use miles or fly from whichever airport suits you. Call me and I am glad to help you sort out flights.
Moderate. Parade viewing is seated or standing in one spot, and the motorcoach gets you close. Comfortable shoes and a folding seat cushion are your friends.
Mild and unpredictable. Days generally 55 to 68 degrees, evenings cooler. Layers and a light rain jacket.
$500 per person at booking. Final payment is due December 3, 2026.
No, but sharing saves you $550. We are happy to match you with a roommate from the group.
Email Frances using the Reserve button, or call 931-801-9900. This one fills early, so do not sit on it.
Pricing per person, land only. Airfare into New Orleans is not included.
Ladies-only and open-to-everyone departures available at the same price.
$500 deposit at booking · Final payment by December 3, 2026
Button not opening your email? Write to frances@tripsunlimited.com or call 931-801-9900.
Booking is handled securely through our Trips Unlimited reservation system. Prefer to talk it through first? Call me.
Deposit refundable until final payment · Travel insurance strongly recommended.
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